Duke Energy proposes milestone new natural gas plant to help build a stronger energy future for South Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (DUK) has announced plans to submit an application to build a new 1,400-megawatt natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina. The facility, planned on a 200-acre site along Highway 81 South, aims to serve the company's 860,000 retail electric customers across 30 South Carolina counties. The project will utilize GE Vernova's natural gas turbines manufactured in Greenville, S.C. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027, with operations starting by early 2031. The innovative design reduces water consumption, and the facility will leverage existing transmission infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the company's approved Carolinas Resource Plan and responds to South Carolina's growing energy demands driven by economic development and population growth.

Positive

• Project will add significant 1,400 megawatts of electricity generation capacity to meet growing demand
• Utilizes existing transmission infrastructure, reducing development costs and environmental impact
• Innovative design minimizes water consumption, reducing strain on county infrastructure
• Partnership with GE Vernova ensures local manufacturing of turbines in Greenville, supporting regional economy
• Project aligns with state-approved Carolinas Resource Plan and S.C. Energy Security Act

Negative

• Long development timeline with operations not starting until 2031
• Continued reliance on fossil fuels rather than renewable energy sources
• Significant capital investment required for construction and infrastructure
• Potential environmental concerns associated with natural gas power generation

Insights

Energy Infrastructure Analyst

Duke Energy's proposed 1,400MW gas plant addresses South Carolina's growth needs with strong political backing and strategic infrastructure positioning.

Duke Energy's announcement to build a 1,400-megawatt natural gas power plant in Anderson County marks their first generation capacity request in South Carolina in a decade, strategically addressing the state's surging electricity demand from population growth and economic development.

The proposal comes with several advantageous elements that enhance its viability. The selected 200-acre site leverages existing transmission infrastructure, significantly reducing development costs and implementation timelines. The plant's innovative design minimizes water requirements, decreasing strain on local resources while supporting the region's manufacturing and data center expansion.

What's particularly notable is the strong political alignment behind this project. With explicit endorsements from Governor McMaster, House Speaker Smith, and Senate President Alexander, the regulatory pathway appears favorable. This political support stems from the S.C. Energy Security Act, which prioritizes reliable generation capacity to support economic growth.

The timing follows a logical sequence: application submission later in 2025, construction beginning in 2027, and operational status by 2031. While this represents a long-term horizon, it aligns with Duke's approved Carolinas Resource Plan and their partnership with GE Vernova for locally-manufactured turbines, creating additional regional economic benefits.

For Duke Energy's overall strategy, this project reinforces their balanced approach to energy transition—maintaining reliability through natural gas while simultaneously pursuing grid upgrades and cleaner generation. This proposal addresses immediate capacity needs while fitting within their broader portfolio management across their six-state service territory serving 8.6 million electric customers.

• Site would take advantage of existing infrastructure and more than a century of partnership with Anderson County
• Proposal will be first request by company to build new generation in the Palmetto State in a decade
• Plans support intent by state leaders to address growth and economic success by advancing new electricity capacity in the state

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy announced today the company's intent to submit an application to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) for approval to build a new natural gas power plant in Anderson County.

Why it matters: As part of the company's responsibility to serve nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across 30 South Carolina counties, Duke Energy needs to build and enable large amounts of new generation quickly to keep up with the success the state is seeing in economic development and population growth.

• Adding proven new natural gas technology to the electric grid acknowledges and responds to the efforts of state leaders to address these tremendous electricity generation needs.
• The project will benefit from the significant partnership recently announced between Duke Energy and GE Vernova to provide natural gas turbines and other associated equipment – manufactured in Greenville, S.C. – to meet the growing needs of advanced manufacturing, data centers and population growth.
• The project is consistent with the near-term actions approved in the company's Carolinas Resource Plan in 2024.

By the numbers: The company expects to submit the construction application to the PSCSC later this year. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and would be expected to serve customers by early 2031.

• The company's plans would construct the facility on nearly 200 acres located on Highway 81 South near True Temper Road in Anderson County.
• The site is advantageous and would use existing transmission infrastructure nearby to provide about 1,400 megawatts of electricity to support the homes and businesses of a rapidly growing region and state.
• The innovative design of the facility would also significantly reduce the need for large amounts of water, creating less burden on the county's infrastructure.

Next steps: Beginning this week, residents, property owners and businesses near the proposed energy center location will receive additional information on the project to include details on how they can share feedback with the company.

More info: Additional details about the proposed project can be found here.

What they're saying

• Gov. Henry McMaster: "South Carolina's continued prosperity depends on reliable, forward-looking energy projects like this one. We are grateful to have a committed partner like Duke Energy taking the necessary steps to meet our state's rising energy demand and ensure we are well-equipped to power our bright future."
• Speaker of the House Murrell Smith: "South Carolina's continued economic success depends on reliable, affordable energy infrastructure that can keep pace with our rapid growth. Duke Energy's investment in a new natural gas facility in Anderson County is a direct response to that need, and it reflects the type of forward-thinking solutions encouraged by the S.C. Energy Security Act. I applaud this step toward strengthening our grid and supporting the families, businesses and industries driving our state forward."
• Senate President Thomas Alexander: "I'm grateful to Duke Energy for providing this significant investment to meet the future demands of our citizens and to ensure future economic prosperity. We must ensure South Carolina has the energy capacity to meet the growing needs of our residents and businesses. When you flip a switch, you should have confidence the lights will come on. This is an example of their commitment to the future energy security in our region and the State of South Carolina."
• Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn: "For many years, Duke Energy has been an integral part of Anderson County. This proposed project reflects that enduring relationship and a step forward in our shared vision for the future. The potential benefits for our schools, our local economy, and our broader community are substantial and essential. We are excited about what this means for families across the county and look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with Duke Energy to build a brighter future."
• Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson: "We are at a critical point in planning for South Carolina's reliable, affordable and resilient energy future. By enacting the S.C. Energy Security Act, Gov. McMaster and the Legislature have provided a comprehensive path forward for energy policy that will guide our state's continued success for many years to come. Committing to building this modern energy facility in Anderson County is a critical piece of that strong energy future for the region."

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

When will Duke Energy's new natural gas plant in Anderson County, SC be operational?

The plant is expected to begin serving customers by early 2031, with construction planned to start in summer 2027.

How many megawatts will Duke Energy's new Anderson County plant generate?

The new natural gas facility will provide approximately 1,400 megawatts of electricity generation capacity.

How many customers will Duke Energy's new South Carolina plant serve?

The plant will help serve Duke Energy's nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across 30 South Carolina counties.

Where will Duke Energy's new natural gas plant be located in Anderson County?

The facility will be constructed on nearly 200 acres located on Highway 81 South near True Temper Road in Anderson County, South Carolina.

What is the purpose of Duke Energy's new Anderson County power plant?

The plant aims to address South Carolina's growing electricity needs driven by economic development, population growth, and increased demand from advanced manufacturing and data centers.