West Virginia Signed Nuclear Hub Memorandum
The state has committed to land and permitting requirements as it competes to host a national innovation campus.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Nuclear
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West Virginia signed a seven-page memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy, formalizing its bid to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. The state is one of six finalists competing for the site.
Why it matters
The agreement outlines the state's obligations to provide infrastructure, land, and workforce development to secure a major research facility. Officials hope the campus will replicate the economic impact observed at established national laboratory sites.
The proposal aims to mirror the economic footprint of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which supports 43,000 total jobs and generates $7 billion in annual economic impact. The lab currently employs 7,000 direct staff and produces $100 million in tax revenue.
The players
U.S. Department of Energy
Federal executive department managing U.S. nuclear weapons, energy research, and infrastructure projects.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Department of Energy research facility in Tennessee focused on nuclear science, materials research, and computing.
Governor Morrisey
The chief executive official of the state of West Virginia leading the negotiation for the nuclear hub.
The details
The memorandum of understanding requires West Virginia to issue necessary state permits and approvals for utility infrastructure while providing expedited rights-of-way. The state must also transfer control of designated lands to the Department of Energy if selected for the project. Additionally, the agreement mandates collaboration with higher education institutions to develop workforce initiatives, with all nuclear operations required to adhere to federal safety standards.
Timeline
2023: Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted an economic impact study.
September 2026: Governor Morrisey announced West Virginia's status as a finalist.
September 20, 2026: Memorandum of understanding details published.
The Tech Race
West Virginia is competing against five other states, including Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah, to host the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. The site selection process focuses on matching the long-term economic scalability demonstrated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The development initiates a process that may bring significant private investment and workforce training programs to the region. Residents should watch for the outcome of the site selection process and the subsequent negotiation of a formal Host Agreement.
The takeaway
West Virginia has committed to a framework that prioritizes nuclear infrastructure and research alignment with federal standards. Future progress will depend on the final selection of the site, at which point the state is expected to negotiate a supplemental Host Agreement.
Further reading
For broader trends in energy research infrastructure, read more in our Nuclear section.
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