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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.  

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Proposed Expedition Generating Station

Tenaska is developing a natural gas-fueled power plant capable of generating up to 1,540 megawatts (MW), 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 plant that has access to transmission, natural gas supply and water infrastructure. As envisioned, the project would be situated on approximately 50 acres of the 425-acre site, providing ample setback and visual and sound buffer. Tenaska has also acquired 350 acres of land slightly to the south, which we will put into conservation easement 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 local and state permits and approvals, the earliest construction start would be in late 2027.

Decades of responsible energy generation 

Tenaska has been a good business neighbor in Fluvanna County for more than 20 years. 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 significant tax revenue to the county. The plant team collaborates with community leaders, first responders, schools and more, and we intend any new project in the area to continue our commitment to collaborating with and investing in this community. 

 

Why natural gas? 

Natural gas remains the cleanest fossil fuel for dispatchable and reliable power generation, and the market demand for natural gas generation is growing in response to concerns about a reliable power supply.

Virginia is the largest net importer of electricity in the country, and the Commonwealth’s energy needs continue to grow. The Expedition Generating Station is located near the center of Virginia and integrated into the electrical infrastructure that serves Fluvanna County and the Commonwealth.

In fact, the regional grid operator – PJM Interconnection – recently completed its Reliability Resource Initiative, which identified 51 energy projects in 13 states deemed critical to come online to maintain the reliability of the electric grid. This project was selected as part of that priority process and is now an element in PJM’s plans for energy reliability.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has requirements related to air quality and natural gas power plants, which are intended to be protective of human health and the environment. The new plant will become operational only if it receives an Air Permit from VDEQ stating it will meet stringent air quality standards under the U.S. Clean Air Act and VDEQ regulations.

  • Additional Benefits for
    Fluvanna County

    Tenaska has a 20-year record of being a good business neighbor in Fluvanna County, and the Expedition Generating Station project – a $2.4 billion investment – will help expand the county’s tax base at a time when residential tax bills continue to rise and emergency responders and schools are short on funding.

    The new facility would account for about 33% of the assessed tax base and is expected to generate $247.7 million in tax revenue to Fluvanna County over 30 years of operation (with roughly $14.3 million projected in each of the first 5 years of operation and $8.3 million/year on average for 30 years). Tenaska is not seeking a tax abatement.

    Construction will also generate significant jobs and contractor opportunities, and operations will support 29 new, long-term jobs in the county.

    A 2025 economic impact study1 from Mangum Economics estimates the following benefits:

  • Construction

    $20.3 million in economic output2 to Fluvanna County, including:

    • 66 direct and 50 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $7.5 million in wages
    • $9.7 million in sales and use taxes

    $445.6 million in economic output2 to the Commonwealth of Virginia, including:  

    • 1,188 direct and 854 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $170.6 million in wages
    • $41.7 million in sales and use taxes

  • Operations (Annually)

    $75.2 million in annual economic output2 to Fluvanna County, including:

    • 29 direct and 53 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $8.8 million in wages
    • $8.3 million in property tax revenue (based on 30-year average)

    $90.6 million in economic output2 to the Commonwealth of Virginia, including:

    • 29 direct and 106 indirect/induced job years (full-time equivalents), with $13.4 million in wages

  • 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.
    2Economic output is all economic activity in a local economy, inclusive of wages and taxes.

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.

View project news

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.