LEGACY-DRIVEN. INNOVATION-FOCUSED
Wise County offers a compelling opportunity for companies in the advanced energy sector. With a long-standing legacy in energy production and a growing focus on innovation, Wise County aligns closely with the priorities outlined in the 2022 Virginia Energy Plan—including the need for reliable, affordable, clean, and innovative energy sources to power Virginia’s future economy.
Our region supports an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, offering access to developable land, regional transmission infrastructure, and a workforce rooted in energy expertise. Whether your focus is on natural gas, renewables, hydrogen, energy storage, or next-generation technologies like small modular reactors or carbon capture, Wise County provides the foundation for long-term growth in an energy-forward economy.
All-of-the-Above Energy
The 2022 Virginia Energy Plan placed Wise County at the center of Southwest Virginia's energy innovation renaissance.
In coordination with both public and private partners, Wise County is actively recruiting companies working in the following advanced and clean energy sectors:
Compact, low-carbon nuclear power with enhanced safety features and proven technology adapted from decades of military use.
Battery storage solutions that support grid reliability by storing renewable energy for use during peak demand or outages.
Clean, flexible energy generation that leverages Wise County’s mountainous terrain and water resources.
Clean hydrogen created through thermal or electrolytic processes for use in transportation, industrial, and residential applications.
Systems that capture emissions from heavy industry and store or reuse carbon to reduce environmental impact.
Mining the Sun
Wise County is rewriting the future of American energy—turning former coal mine sites into prime real estate for commercial-scale solar development. It started with the Mineral Gap Solar Array, a 3.46 MW project powering a 65,000 sq. ft. Tier III data center. The first commercial-scale solar array built on reclaimed coal mine land in Virginia, Mineral Gap proved that the region is ready to support serious clean energy infrastructure—and opened the door for a new era of investment.
Now, Wise County is scaling up.
Wildcats Solar, a 10 MW utility-scale project developed by Sun Tribe, is set to break ground in 2025 on 100 acres of The Nature Conservancy’s Cumberland Forest property. This next-generation project is the first of many planned for Wise County and the larger Southwest Virginia region - these projects blend clean power generation with environmental stewardship and local impact and will deliver:
Quick Facts
These projects aren’t one-offs—they're part of a broader, replicable model that makes Wise County a strategic launchpad for forward-thinking energy companies. With strong local and state support, access to reclaimed mine lands, and a proven development framework, Wise County is ready for the next wave of clean energy innovation.
Aligned workforce development
An electric work ethic fuels Wise County’s workforce, energized by industry-aligned training at institutions like Mountain Empire Community College. With stackable certifications and future-ready programs, local talent is being powered up to meet the needs of tomorrow’s advanced energy economy.