The Monarch Campus is the first state-certified AI microgrid in the United States, designed with a power runway scalable to over 8 gigawatts.
Through this new partnership, Marshall University will serve as a key educational and research anchor, ensuring that West Virginia’s workforce is prepared to lead in the fields of high-performance computing and sustainable energy infrastructure. In preparing the local workforce, Marshall will partner with Mountwest Community and Technical College to help ensure Mason County residents are trained and ready for coming job opportunities.
“At Marshall, we are committed to moving at the speed of innovation to create economic prosperity for our state,” said President Brad D. Smith. “Nscale’s investment in the Monarch Campus represents a generational opportunity for our students. By working together, we are building a homegrown talent pipeline that ensures the high-tech careers of the future remain right here in the Mountain State.”
Aligned with the clear values established by West Virginia community leaders and the Monarch development team, the partnership focuses on workforce readiness. It is estimated the center will employ upwards of 2,800 workers.
Marshall University will work with Nscale to develop specialized training and apprenticeship programs to ensure local residents are first in line for engineering and facility management roles. These efforts are in coordination with a statewide initiative launched by West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey — the PowerTech Center. Through collaboration with higher-education institutions, private industry and state agencies, PowerTech positions West Virginia as a global leader at the intersection of technology and energy.
“We build where the energy is, and we invest deeply in the communities that welcome us — bringing quality jobs and long-term opportunity,” said Nscale CEO Josh Payne. “Marshall University shares our belief that the people already rooted in a place are its greatest asset. Together, we’re committed to developing the next generation of AI infrastructure talent right here in West Virginia and making the Monarch Campus a global hub.”
The Monarch Campus is expected to bring its first 2 gigawatts of capacity online by the first half of 2028.