West Virginia’s Microgrid Bill: A Win for Bitcoin AND DEPIN
West Virginia is making a big move to become a top destination for AI data centers with a new microgrid bill. This legislation is a huge win for decentralized infrastructure, including DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and Bitcoin mining.
The Power Generation and Consumption Act
Governor Patrick Morrisey has introduced the Power Generation and Consumption Act of 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding the development of microgrids and data centers within West Virginia. This initiative seeks to leverage the state's abundant natural resources, such as coal and natural gas, to attract investments in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) processing and cloud computing.
Microgrid Development Expansion: The bill proposes the removal of existing limitations on microgrid development, including the current cap of two microgrids statewide and the mandate that they be powered partially by renewable energy sources. This change would permit the establishment of additional microgrids utilizing a variety of energy resources, including coal and natural gas.
Certified Microgrid Program: The legislation aims to establish a Certified Microgrid Program under the Division of Economic Development. This program would oversee the certification and regulation of microgrid districts, ensuring they meet specific criteria and operate within defined guidelines.
High-Impact Data Centers: The act includes provisions for the certification and regulation of high-impact data centers, facilitating their development and operation within the state. This is intended to position West Virginia as a prime location for data-intensive industries.
Economic Incentives: The bill outlines the creation of specialized valuation and tax structures for high-impact data centers, aiming to make West Virginia more attractive to large-scale data operations.
Legislative Status
The Power Generation and Consumption Act of 2025 has been introduced in the West Virginia Senate as Senate Bill 818 (SB 818). The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Development Committee for further consideration. In the House of Delegates, a companion bill, House Bill 2014 (HB 2014), has been introduced and assigned to the House Energy and Public Works Committee. Both bills are in the initial stages of the legislative process and have not yet been enacted into law.
Why This Matters for DePIN
Microgrids are independent energy systems that provide reliable, localized power—exactly what DePIN projects need. Instead of relying on a centralized power grid, DePIN networks can run more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. Companies building decentralized wireless networks, cloud storage, and computing power could thrive in West Virginia with dedicated energy sources tailored to their needs.
A Big Opportunity for Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin miners are always looking for stable, low-cost energy, and microgrids could provide just that. With a more flexible and resilient energy system, miners can operate without interruptions and potentially integrate with renewable sources like hydro or solar. West Virginia’s energy-rich environment makes it an ideal location for miners who want to maximize efficiency while supporting a more decentralized energy grid.
While the bill does not specifically mention these technologies, the proposed expansion of microgrid infrastructure and data centers could potentially support industries that rely on substantial computing power and energy consumption, such as cryptocurrency mining and DePIN projects. However, any involvement of these sectors would depend on future interpretations and implementations of the legislation.