# West Virginia Announces $81B Data Center Investments

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced over **$81 billion** in new private-sector investments in West Virginia at the September 3, 2026, Business Summit, highlighting major data center projects by NScale and Starwood Digital Ventures. The NScale project alone accounts for a **$69.2 billion** investment requiring 2 gigawatts of power and supporting 4,375 construction jobs plus 645 permanent jobs, while Starwood's project involves a **$12 billion** investment with 2.16 gigawatts power demand and approximately 1,500 jobs. Additionally, Randox is expanding its life sciences operations with a **$13 million** investment in Jefferson County, adding 100 jobs. These developments emphasize West Virginia's growing role as a hub for energy-intensive data infrastructure and life sciences, with infrastructure costs covered without burdening state ratepayers.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the scale and energy demands of these projects, indicating significant opportunities for energy providers, construction contractors, and infrastructure suppliers in West Virginia.
- The state's emphasis on cutting regulatory red tape and workforce availability signals a favorable environment for expedited project execution and long-term operational support.
- Companies in data center construction, energy infrastructure, and life sciences manufacturing can leverage these investments to pursue contracts and partnerships.
- Procurement planning should consider the substantial power requirements (over 4 gigawatts combined) and associated infrastructure needs, highlighting opportunities for energy companies and utilities.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of the Governor
- West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

### Vendors
- NScale (project developer)
- Starwood Digital Ventures (project developer)
- Randox (life sciences company)
- AEP (energy company)

### Key Quotes
> If you need energy, come to West Virginia. If you need workers, come to West Virginia. If you need a state that wants you to build and is the best at cutting red tape, come to West Virginia. We're ready.
> — Patrick Morrisey, Governor

### Sources
- [Governor Morrisey Announces More Than $81 Billion in New Investment at West Virginia Business Summit | WV Office of the Governor Patrick Morrisey](https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-morrisey-announces-more-81-billion-new-investment-west-virginia-business-summit) - WV