Additional investment in Fluvanna County
Tenaska, with a presence in Fluvanna County for more than 20 years, is considering an additional natural gas-fueled power plant in the area. Similar to the existing Tenaska Virginia Generating Station, this facility would add reliability to the regional electric grid amid growing power demand, as well as generate tax revenue, jobs and other local economic benefits.
Proposed Expedition Generating Station
Tenaska is developing a natural gas-fueled power plant capable of generating up to 1,540 megawatts (MW) of power, enough to power 1.5 million homes. Natural gas remains the cleanest fossil fuel for dispatchable and reliable power generation, and the market demand for reliable natural gas generation is growing. In fact, the Expedition Generating Station project has been selected by PJM Interconnection as a critical resource to ensure the reliability of the region’s electric grid.
We have identified a location near the existing Tenaska Virginia Generating Station that has access to transmission infrastructure, natural gas pipelines and water supply. As envisioned, the project would be located on approximately 50 acres interior to the 425-acre site, allowing ample buffer. Tenaska has also acquired land slightly to the south, which we intend to put into conservation as part of our development plan. We believe this will help preserve the rural character of this part of Fluvanna County.
On our current timeline, we anticipate a three- to four-year development period. Assuming we obtain all necessary permits and approvals, the earliest construction start date would be in late 2027.
Decades of responsible energy generation
Tenaska has been a good business neighbor in Fluvanna County for more than two decades. We have built positive relationships and feel like a welcomed and valued member of the community.
Since 2004, Tenaska Virginia Generating Station has operated in a safe and responsible manner, while also providing stable jobs and tax revenue. The facility’s team collaborates with community leaders, first responders, the chamber, schools and more, and we intend any new project in the area to continue our commitment to collaborating with and investing in this community.
The proposed Expedition Generating Station would be additive to the benefits provided by our Virginia Generating Station and is not intended to replace it. We look forward to working with the Fluvanna County community to make this additional investment a reality.
Why natural gas?
About half of Virginia’s energy capacity currently comes from natural gas. According to the Virginia Department of Energy, natural gas will need to continue to play a significant role in meeting Virginia’s energy needs. The 2022 Energy Plan calls for an all-of-the-above approach to meet unprecedented demand while keeping energy costs reasonable. Natural gas will be a critical part of the solution, and Tenaska is well suited to support that.
A 2025 U.S. Department of Energy report found that PJM Interconnection, our regional grid operator, is at particular risk of not being able to meet power demands during extreme weather. PJM has identified the Expedition Generating Station as a critical resource needed for reliability of the regional electric grid.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has requirements related to air quality and natural gas power plants, including compliance with ambient air quality standards. Our facility will be designed, built and operated in compliance with these standards, which are intended to be protective of human health and the environment.
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Additional Benefits for
Fluvanna CountyA 2025 economic impact study1 from Mangum Economics projects a significant positive impact from the Expedition Generating Station.
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Construction
$20.3 million in economic output to Fluvanna County, including:
- 66 direct and 50 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $7.5 million in wages
$445.6 million in benefits to the Commonwealth of Virginia, including:
- 1,188 direct and 854 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $170.6 million in wages
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Operations (Annually)
$83.5 million in annual local benefits to Fluvanna County, including:
- 29 direct and 53 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $8.8 million in wages
- $75.2 million in total economic output2
- $8.3 million in property tax revenue (based on 30-year average)
$90.6 million in annual benefits to the Commonwealth of Virginia, including:
- 29 direct and 106 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $13.4 million in wages
- $90.6 million in total economic output2
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Long-Term Tax Revenue
$247.7 million in tax revenue to Fluvanna County over 30 years of operation
- $14.3 million/year during the first 5 years of operation
- $8.3 million/year on average for 30 years
1The study was conducted by Mangum Economics, based in Glen Allen.
2Includes direct, indirect and induced economic output and wages
Project updates
Tenaska is currently talking to state and local stakeholders about the proposed Expedition Generating Station.
Visit our news page to read the latest updates.
Our approach to natural gas development
Natural gas-fueled generating stations meet the growing demand for reliable, dispatchable power. Tenaska utilizes its expertise in development, engineering & construction, interconnection, environmental, community relations, origination, natural gas supply, power marketing and asset management to successfully develop, construct and operate generating stations.
Watch this video to learn more about our approach to natural gas-fueled power plants.