HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. – Hancock County Commissioners have approved a long-term lease that could pave the way for a new renewable energy project along the Ohio River.
The county entered into a 40-year lease agreement with Current Hydro, a company aiming to construct and operate a 20-megawatt hydroelectric facility at the New Cumberland Locks and Dam. The project would tap into the river’s flow to generate power and contribute to the region’s expanding clean-energy portfolio.
The approval comes as the West Virginia Division of Economic Development continues its public comment period on an application for data center/microgrid district certification, a designation meant to attract investment from high-impact industries. That public comment window remains open until December 10.
The certification process is part of new legislation signed earlier this year by Governor Patrick Morrisey, which is designed to draw industrial businesses, advanced manufacturers, and data centers to West Virginia by supporting projects like renewable energy installations and microgrid-ready districts.
If finalized, the hydropower facility would be one of the region’s largest renewable energy developments and could support future industrial expansion tied to the state’s new economic incentives.
