Frontieras North America Secures Land for Major West Virginia Investment
Frontieras North America has officially closed on 183 acres of riverfront property in Mason County, West Virginia, marking a significant step forward for its proposed $850 million coal reformation facility. The company plans to construct its flagship FASForm™ facility on the site, which is designed to commercialize advanced coal reformation technology.
The project is anticipated to generate substantial economic benefits for the region, including the creation of over 2,000 construction jobs and more than 200 full-time positions upon completion. These full-time roles are projected to offer competitive wages, with the majority ranging from $70,000 to $80,000 annually.
Innovative FASForm™ Technology
The core of the new facility will be the patented FASForm™ process, a clean hydrocarbon technology that redefines coal utilization. This innovative method transforms coal into valuable products such as fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon, notably achieving this with zero waste and no emissions.
Matthew McKean, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontieras North America, stated, 'West Virginia gave us every reason to build here—natural resources, world-class logistics, and a government that understands the importance of industrial growth.' The Mason County site was strategically chosen over other potential locations in Texas and Wyoming due to its logistical advantages, abundant regional coal supply, and strong partnership with the State of West Virginia. The property boasts over one mile of Ohio River frontage, facilitating barge transport, and provides Class I rail access via CSX for nationwide and export movement of products.
Economic Impact and State Alignment
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the acquisition, highlighting the project's alignment with the state's '50 by 50' energy plan, which aims to expand West Virginia's energy production. Governor Morrisey emphasized that the investment demonstrates West Virginia's capacity to attract world-class companies and investments, creating high-paying jobs and fostering economic growth. The company projects that the facility will contribute to a 3% increase in West Virginia's gross domestic product once fully operational.
Projected Timeline and Future Outlook
Construction of the facility is slated to commence later this year, with the plant expected to be fully operational and commissioned by the middle of 2028. This Mason County facility will represent the first commercial-scale deployment of Frontieras's FASForm™ technology, with the company expressing intentions to explore additional expansion opportunities across West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.
5 Comments
Africa
It's excellent that West Virginia is attracting major industrial investment and aligning with its energy plan. Still, I wonder if this focus on 'reformed coal' distracts from the necessary transition towards truly renewable and sustainable energy sources.
Bermudez
200 full-time jobs for $850 million? That's not a huge impact long-term.
Habibi
The innovative FASForm™ technology sounds promising on paper, transforming coal into valuable products without emissions. But it's crucial to ensure these claims hold up at commercial scale and that the wider impact of coal extraction isn't overlooked.
Muchacho
Amazing news for West Virginia! Jobs and investment are exactly what we need.
Comandante
The project offers a significant boost to the local economy and utilizes existing natural resources, which is a definite plus. However, the environmental assurances for a coal facility, even an advanced one, will need constant monitoring and transparency to build public trust.