Clearway Energy Group and Microsoft have established a new Community Energy Fund to support communities in West Virginia, with an initial $4.5 million grant round awarded to 13 local organizations across the Potomac Highlands region.
The fund is being established as part of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) between Clearway and Microsoft for the Mount Storm Energy Center, a wind project located in Grant County, West Virginia.
The first round of funding will support initiatives focused on workforce development, emergency preparedness, education, home weatherization, small business development and tourism infrastructure. The fund is expected to provide more than $13 million in total grants over the 20-year agreement period, with additional grants to be awarded annually.
A local advisory committee identified the priorities for the first grant round, while the Sustain Our Future Foundation will administer the fund, oversee grant distribution and work with community members to identify priorities for future funding cycles.
The 13 organizations receiving funding include the West Virginia Community Development Hub, Eastern WV Community Action Agency, Grant County Volunteer Fire Association, Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Pendleton County General Services Center, South Branch Career and Technical Center, Grant County Schools and Coalfield Development. Several colleges and universities will also receive funding for scholarships supporting students pursuing energy-related and other high-demand fields.
The grants will support a range of local initiatives, including home weatherization and electrification programs, emergency response equipment and training, workforce development, career and technical education, scholarships, entrepreneurship programs and sustainable tourism.
Clearway said the new fund builds on its existing community commitments in the region. Separately, the company has pledged an additional $3.6 million in direct community benefit funding to Grant County over the operating life of the Mount Storm Energy Center.
The Mount Storm Energy Center forms part of Clearway and Microsoft’s long-term renewable energy partnership, linking clean power generation with community investment in the region.
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