ENERGY STORAGE AND ELECTRIFICATION

A Major Initiative

Ascent Virginia is a leading partner in a major project to build manufacturing capacity in Southwest Virginia in energy storage and electrification. The project announcement explains the initiative as follows:

This project will catalyze a vibrant energy storage and electrification economy in Region One [Southwest Virginia] through an accelerated project approach that provides data-based, targeted technical assistance to existing manufacturers in the region who have already taken steps to diversify their businesses into energy storage and electrification markets. Notably, each of the four targeted companies has a strong history of serving the coal industry and are now seeking to expand into next generation energy markets. Concurrently, the project seeks to attract new national and global companies to Southwest Virginia and expand tax base, capital investment, and sustainable job creation.​

Funding and Participants

The initiative received almost $500,000 in funding from Go Virginia, The Thompson Charitable Foundation, and other donors. It will run for two years and involve the collaboration of several organizations including:

Ascent Virginia

Appalachian Voices

Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission

Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority

Participating companies include:

AMR PEMCO

Lawrence Brothers Inc.

Simmons Equipment Company

West River Conveyors & Machinery Co