The Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) has approved Duke Energy’s plans to build a new, state-of-the-art natural gas generation plant in Anderson County. The multi-year construction project is slated to begin next summer.
Duke proposed the introduction of the combined cycle plant to support the increasing demand for energy in the growing region, while also powering economic vitality in Anderson County and surrounding communities.
According to a study by Ernst & Young, the Anderson Natural Gas Project is expected to support more than 2,200 jobs during the building phase, with about 750 of those jobs located in Anderson County. Once operational in early 2031, the facility is projected to have an $84 million statewide impact, supporting 125 jobs and $10 million in annual labor income.
Last May, Governor Henry McMaster enacted the state’s Energy Security Act, aimed at developing new infrastructure capable of meeting the energy needs of South Carolinians amid population and business growth.
“As South Carolina continues to attract new businesses and new residents at a record pace, the need for dependable energy has never been more urgent,” said Governor McMaster. “Duke Energy has long been a strong partner in our state, and this project reflects the kind of forward-thinking planning that will ensure we meet those needs with reliable, efficient power for years to come.”
According to Duke Energy, the facility will be one of the most efficient natural gas plants on the utility’s system with advanced environmental control technologies to minimize plant emissions. Additionally, the plant will use 90% less water than traditional wet cooling technology, will not have a vapor plume, will eliminate the need to treat water chemically, and will have a longer life span than prior natural gas technology.
Duke Energy President Tim Pearson adds the plant is a critical move in the right direction.
“Adding proven new natural gas technology to the electric grid acknowledges and responds to the efforts of state leaders to address tremendous electricity generation needs as part of a reliable and diverse energy mix that includes new and existing nuclear technology, renewables, battery storage, additional natural gas and energy efficiency programs,” Pearson said.
Additional information about the Anderson Natural Gas Project can be found here.
