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Duke Energy Proposes New Gas-Fired Power Plant in South Carolina

New Natural Gas Power Plant Construction

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News Summary

Duke Energy is set to apply for a new natural gas-fired power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina, which would generate approximately 1,400 megawatts of electricity. The facility aims to expand Duke’s generation capacity in response to economic growth in the area. Construction is expected to start in summer 2027, pending approval, and the plant could be operational by early 2031. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance energy infrastructure while minimizing environmental impacts and encouraging community input throughout the process.

South Carolina – Duke Energy is preparing to submit an application to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) for the construction of a new natural gas-fired power plant in Anderson County. This proposal represents Duke Energy’s first initiative to expand its electricity generation capacity in South Carolina in the last decade. The new facility is expected to generate roughly 1,400 megawatts (MW) of power through a combined-cycle design, utilizing nearby existing transmission infrastructure.

The application for the project, which is planned to be filed later in 2025, outlines plans for construction to commence in summer 2027, if approved. The plant is anticipated to be operational by early 2031. The proposed site encompasses nearly 200 acres along Highway 81 South, close to True Temper Road in Anderson County. Duke Energy has partnered with GE Vernova, which will supply the gas turbines and related equipment manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina. This partnership, announced earlier this year, includes the potential delivery of up to 11 7HA gas turbines for future Duke plants.

Duke Energy serves an extensive customer base, with nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across 30 counties in South Carolina. The company’s decision to pursue new generation capacity comes in response to the economic growth and increasing population in the region. However, some critics suggest that the rising demand for new generation is primarily driven by the expansion of industrial and data center facilities rather than population growth alone.

The proposed plant aligns with the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which supports efforts to enhance the energy grid and regulate utilities. Although the project is still in the planning phases, Duke Energy has communicated that it will not result in immediate impacts on customer bills. Residents and property owners in the vicinity of the proposed location will receive updates and be given chances to provide feedback concerning the project. Community engagement is intended to ensure transparency and gather input from local stakeholders.

In addition to managing costs and facilitating community involvement, the plant is designed to minimize water usage, thereby reducing the burden on local infrastructure. The public engagement phase will serve to identify opportunities for positive community interactions and to address any concerns residents may have about the new facility.

The South Carolina Energy Security Act’s encouragement of new natural gas facilities reflects the state’s broader energy policy and its generation needs. Duke Energy’s proposed facility is part of a larger strategy to expand energy capacity, potentially integrating future technologies, including what could include hydrogen capabilities.

As the project moves forward, the immediate next steps include extensive community outreach and engagement surrounding the proposed energy center location. Duke Energy aims to maintain clear communication with the public to ensure that local input is integrated into the planning process.