Building a Brighter Future: How MN8 is Looking to Power Communities in West Virginia

Blog

May 28 2025  |  5 min read

Energy is more than just power—it’s possibility. It’s the spark that helps businesses grow, supports strong communities, and drives America forward. That’s why, as MN8 builds out five clean energy projects in West Virginia, we’re also investing in these communities in several ways. Here’s how.

 

Our Projects Powering Progress

We’re currently working on five solar projects across the state, from Mingo and Kanawha counties in the south to Hardy, Jefferson, and Berkeley counties in the east, representing up to $1 billion of investment to develop new resources. These sites could generate up to 650 megawatts (MW) of combined solar power—enough to power over 95,000 homes with clean energy, growing West Virginia’s self-sufficiency and role as an energy leader.

We’re also evaluating the addition of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to these sites, which could bring even more local investment and benefits to West Virginia residents.

But that’s just the beginning.

 

Project	Proposed Capacity	Expected Construction Start Date	County
Old Fields Solar	250 MWac Solar	2029	Hardy
Twisted Gun Solar	140 MWac Solar	2027	Mingo
Mammoth Solar	90 MWac Solar	2027	Kanawha
Charles Town Solar	90 MWac Solar	2028	Jefferson
Falling Waters Solar	80 MWac Solar	2027	Berkeley
TOTAL	650 MWac Solar

 

Creating Jobs & Investing in WV Communities

At MN8, we believe in giving back to the places we work. That means hiring local workers whenever possible, supporting local schools and charities, and helping local businesses thrive. Our projects will create over 1,000 construction jobs and to help run and maintain these sites. Additionally, we’re committed to using U.S.-made equipment and partnering with U.S. manufacturers to the greatest extent practical to further America’s energy independence. West Virginia has long been a pioneer in energy production and these projects provide the state a continued opportunity to lead in supplying homegrown energy.

We’re also committed to as much as $150 million in landowner leases and expect to pay around $100 million in property taxes throughout the life of the projects, which will surely help inject growth into West Virginia communities.

 

 

Helping Businesses While Helping the Environment

We’re in the renewable energy generation business, so naturally, we’re excited about the growing demand for cleaner power. At MN8, it’s important that we’re part of the solution. For us, that means helping organizations meet their decarbonization goals and improving air quality and the environment for all West Virginians.

Our projects in the state will prevent over 2.5 metric tonnes of carbon pollution every year—a big win for us all.

 

Giving Back to the Mountain State

Our community commitment goes beyond clean energy and job creation. We recently donated $300,000 to West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as part of a three-year collaboration. To offer hands-on experience, we are engaging students and faculty to contribute to our solar project development process and explore innovative practices like agrivoltaics. We know that we don’t need to look further than our own ‘backyard’ to find the talent we need, and hope to find more opportunities for community partnerships.

 

Why Does it Matter?

When companies support the communities they operate in, everyone benefits. Working together can create positive ripple effects and a brighter future for us all.

“Being there” in West Virginia matters, not just physically but holistically. As we forge ahead, we’re excited about the job opportunities, economic growth, environmental outcomes, and community connections we’re bringing to the state.

We look forward to getting to know our West Virginia neighbors better and helping to unleash America’s energy potential as our clean energy projects get underway.