Duke Energy's Proposed Gas Plant in Anderson County Sparks Economic Debate

Duke Energy has unveiled plans to construct a 1,365-megawatt natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina, sparking a robust economic debate within the community.

 

The proposed $3.2 billion facility aims to address the state's escalating electricity demands and bolster regional economic growth.

 

Supporters highlight potential job creation during both construction and operational phases, viewing the plant as a catalyst for attracting high-quality industries to the area.

 

Burriss Nelson, the county's economic development director, emphasized the necessity of increased power generation to recruit sophisticated manufacturers, noting that recent industrial prospects have been deterred by insufficient power availability.

However, environmental advocates and concerned residents have raised alarms about the long-term ecological impacts and the continued reliance on fossil fuels.

 

They argue that investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind would be more sustainable and forward-thinking.

 

Public forums have been organized to gather community input and address these concerns.

 

Notably, a hearing held on February 2, 2026, at the Anderson Civic Center provided a platform for citizens to voice their opinions directly to the Public Service Commission.

 

As Anderson County navigates this pivotal decision, the discourse surrounding Duke Energy's proposal underscores the broader challenge of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship in today's energy landscape.

 

Learn more on the details of this plan here.