Executive Summary

Appalachia has significant potential to contribute to both national energy independence and to achieve regional import substitution in the energy sector. There are significant opportunities for regional and community-scaled industrial development, especially in the areas of bio-fuels. Major choices exist in the selection of a minimum scale of production for many of the new technologies and energy sources. Technologies in these fields are changing rapidly, thus planning for Appalachia’s energy future is dynamic. The creation of new energy supplies associated with renewable and non-renewable energy sources is likely to generate substantial new employment. Appalachia’s industrial base already contributes major inputs to the wind, solar, biofuels, and other non-fossil fuel energy industries. Estimates of future growth in these sectors are significant and some research suggests thousands of new jobs will be created as these sectors expand in and outside of the region