The West Virginia Coal Association today praised the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its renewed emphasis on advancing coal technologies through the establishment of the Coal Center of Excellence at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown.

The DOE initiative, announced this week, designates NETL’s Morgantown facility as a central hub for coal research, engineering, and technology development – reflecting the site’s long-standing leadership in energy innovation and the critical role of coal in America’s energy future.

“The rebranding of NETL as the Coal Center of Excellence is very fitting given all the research and engineering underway at the facility to preserve coal-fired generation and to launch a portfolio of advanced carbon technologies,” said Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “This initiative recognizes the unmatched technical expertise, energy infrastructure, and workforce experience that West Virginia and Appalachia bring to the table.”

Located in the heart of Morgantown, the Coal Center of Excellence will leverage NETL’s scientific capabilities to stabilize, optimize, and grow the American coal industry. Its mission includes supporting the modernization of existing coal-fired power plants, expanding coal’s use in producing advanced carbon materials, and ensuring coal remains a cornerstone of the U.S. energy mix for decades to come.

“It’s fitting that we’re here in the heart of Appalachia, a region with over a century of experience, expertise and history in coal and energy innovation,” said Kyle Haustveit, Assistant Secretary for the DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office. “That’s why the Coal Center of Excellence is so important. It’s about connecting with industry and making sure NETL capabilities are aligned to support coal’s role in keeping our energy system secure and reliable.” Assistant Secretary Haustveit further acknowledged President Trump’s commitment to West Virginia coal by tying in the importance of NETL’s Coal Center of Excellence with the President’s objective of making coal the centerpiece of his national energy program.

Hamilton emphasized that continued research and development at NETL not only strengthens America’s energy reliability but also sustains thousands of jobs and economic opportunities across West Virginia. “The work being done at NETL is vital to the future of coal and to the prosperity of our region,” he said.

The West Virginia Coal Association commended federal and state leaders for their ongoing commitment to energy research and looks forward to supporting the success of the Coal Center of Excellence in advancing clean, reliable, and coal-based energy technologies.