The Public Service Commission of South Carolina approved on Mar. 26 plans by Duke Energy to build a new natural gas facility in Anderson County, marking the company’s first new power generation project in the state in a decade.
The decision comes as South Carolina experiences rapid population and business growth, creating higher demand for reliable energy sources. The project is the first to be approved following the enactment of the Energy Security Act in 2025, which aims to provide long-term direction for state energy policy.
According to Duke Energy, construction of the combined cycle plant is expected to begin in summer 2027 and will create more than 2,200 jobs annually during its multi-year construction period. Once operational by early 2031, it is projected to have an $84 million annual economic impact statewide and support 125 permanent jobs. The facility will use advanced environmental controls and require significantly less water than traditional plants.
Gov. Henry McMaster said, “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. 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.”
Speaker of the House Murrell Smith added that “Today’s approval of Duke Energy’s new facility in Anderson County shows South Carolina is growing the right way… 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.” Senate President Thomas Alexander said that having reliable energy capacity is essential for keeping South Carolina competitive.
Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson said: “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. Adding proven new natural gas technology to the electric grid acknowledges and responds to efforts…to address tremendous electricity generation needs as part of a reliable and diverse energy mix.”
The broader implications include economic benefits through job creation and tax revenue while supporting ongoing efforts toward cleaner energy technologies.
