Last year the second biggest coal-producing state in the U.S. produced more natural gas, as measured by energy content, than coal, according to World Oil.
Although it’s situated in the Appalachian Basin near the Marcellus and Utica shale plays, West Virginia has been reluctant to transition to natural gas due to coal’s foothold within its economy. In 2018, West Virginia generated 92 percent of its electricity from coal — the highest percentage of any state — despite its increased natural gas production. Nationally, coal’s share of electricity generation was 27% in 2018, which was down over 20% when compared to a decade earlier.
However, as the seventh largest natural gas producer in the U.S., West Virginia may follow the trend around the country and adapt over time. A court ruling late last year took a step in that direction, clearing the way for the state’s first major natural-gas-burning power plant.
Learn more: World Oil > Natural gas beat coal in second biggest coal-producing state in U.S.
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