Duke Energy secures approved for Anderson County gas plant

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved plans by Duke Energy to construct new natural gas generation in Anderson County, a project the energy provider says will help support the needs of a growing region while significantly contributing to the community’s economic success.

The approval comes after a process that included a public hearing in Anderson before the commission. Duke Energy invited members of the community to participate in two open house events where company experts shared details of the project, answered questions and collected feedback.

“South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. As populations grow and businesses relocate to or expand in the state, new and diverse sources of energy are needed to power that growth,” Duke Energy said in a news release. “That’s why state leaders enacted the Energy Security Act in 2025, to provide a comprehensive path forward for energy policy that will guide South Carolina’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.”

The company cited a survey by Ernst & Young that said the project is expected to support more than 2,200 jobs annually during the multi-year construction period, with 746 construction jobs located in Anderson County. Once operational, the facility is projected to have an annual $84 million impact statewide, supporting 125 jobs and $10 million in annual labor income.

“We appreciate the commission’s recognition that the Anderson County combined cycle natural gas power plant is the right resource at the right time at the right site,” Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson said in the news release. “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.”

Duke says the project will be one of the most efficient natural gas plants in the company’s system and will include state-of-the-art environmental control technologies to minimize plant emissions. The facility 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, according to the release.

State Sen. Mike Gambrell and Rep. Craig Gagnon issued a joint statement on the decision: “Duke Energy has been a valued partner in Anderson County for many years. This new facility will help meet our community’s growing energy needs for decades, and this significant investment will deliver lasting benefits for our schools, our local economy, and our quality of life. We’re proud of what this means for Anderson County and look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with the men and women of Duke Energy.”

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027 and the facility would be operating by early 2031, the release stated. Central Electric Power Cooperative and North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation will own 95 megawatts and 100 megawatts, respectively, of the combined cycle’s approximate 1,365-megawatt nominal capacity.

Additional details about the project can be found online.

“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,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “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.”

South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith said in the release: “Today’s approval of Duke Energy’s new facility in Anderson County shows South Carolina is growing the right way. As one of the fastest-growing states, we need reliable, affordable American energy to support jobs, attract business, and help families thrive. This project will create thousands of construction jobs, generate millions in local tax revenue, and reflects the impact of the Energy Security Act in securing our future.”