Expedition Updates: Reduced Water Needs, CPCN Application
Jul 21, 2026
Reduced Water Needs
We are excited to share that Expedition is being designed as a dry-cooling facility, which reduces the combined-cycle power plant’s water needs by 85%.
This is a very recent decision that we want to share ahead of the July 28 environmental open house.
By using dry-cooled technology, Expedition’s average water use is anticipated to be approximately 1 million gallons per day*. Water will be sourced from the James River and treated prior to use for plant operations. Expedition’s needs are equivalent to approximately 0.03% of the river’s average flow.
Water will be reused multiple times during the power generation process, minimizing consumptive use and discharge. Treated wastewater will be discharged into the Rivanna River. Average daily discharge is anticipated to be 0.8 million gallons*, which is approximately 0.5% of the river’s average flow.
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CPCN Application Submitted to State Corporation Commission
In addition, Tenaska has filed Expedition’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the State Corporation Commission.
The CPCN process considers the need for the project and whether it meets environmental standards, among other things. There will be opportunities for public comment as part of this process.
You can access Expedition’s proceeding here: Virginia SCC – Case Summary.
Expedition must receive this permit, as well as various permits from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, before advancing to construction. On our current timeline, construction would start no earlier than late 2027 and continue for roughly four years. Operations would start no earlier than late 2031.