Frequently asked questions
We strive to be a good business neighbor and understand the importance of keeping the local community informed as this project develops. Our team is ready to answer your questions.
Why did you select Fluvanna County for another power plant?
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. With the growing market demand for reliable power in this region and the existing infrastructure in Fluvanna County, we assessed the opportunity to bring additional investment to this community. We look forward to working with the community to bring this project and its economic benefits to fruition.
Will you need to build transmission or power lines to connect the facility to the electric grid?
The site is attractive because of its access to existing natural gas pipelines, water supply and power transmission corridors, which minimizes the need for new infrastructure.
Will the plant create additional noise?
Sound levels will be similar to the existing plant. The power generation equipment will be located on up to 50 acres of the 425-acre site, providing ample sound buffer. The combustion turbine generators and other major equipment will be enclosed and include equipment to reduce the sound of the plant’s operation. The emission control system also has a natural sound-dampening effect.
A sound study is underway, with a focus on minimizing sound.
What will neighbors see and hear?
Once complete, the power plant will encompass approximately 50 acres interior to the 425-acre site. Existing trees and the natural topography of the area will help mitigate viewshed and sound impacts. We are committed to providing a minimum of a 300-feet vegetative buffer strip surrounding the power plant. The combustion turbine generators and other major equipment will be enclosed and include sound attenuation equipment to reduce the sound of plant operation. Outdoor lighting at the facility would be pointed downward and inward. Neutral paint colors and landscaping will enhance the aesthetic look of the facility.
How will the power plant impact property values for neighboring homes?
There are a number of factors that influence property values and the housing market. It has been our experience with other Tenaska projects of similar size and design that property values have not been negatively affected by the plant’s operations. In fact, the jobs and increased tax revenue for the community typically have a positive impact on local schools and other amenities that factor into property values.
How will this facility impact air quality in the region?
To ensure the reliability of the electric grid amid the generation options available today, fossil fuels will need to be utilized. This facility will operate primarily on natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel for dispatchable and reliable power generation.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has requirements related to air quality and natural gas power plants. That is a thorough permitting process that will require an analysis of air quality impacts to ensure that all applicable standards are met. Our facility will be designed, built and operated in compliance with these standards.
The emissions most commonly associated with natural gas-fueled plants are nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. However, through the combination of natural gas as the primary fuel, the state-of-the-art design and the use of best available control technology (BACT), emissions will be limited. BACT will include oxidation catalyst and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), in addition to Ultra-Low NOx Burners (ULNB) and water injection, for emissions control.
What will be done to ensure human health and safety?
Safety is of utmost importance to Tenaska, and we work hard to design a safe plant that is protective of the employees, residents and wildlife. This has been demonstrated through the safe operation of the Tenaska Virginia facility, as well as the safe operations of the entire Tenaska fleet, which encompasses 7,700 megawatts of generation.
Employees at Tenaska Virginia have received dozens of awards from the National Safety Council, and the plant has been certified (and re-certified) as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Worksite by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration – the nation’s highest safety designation.
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.
Where will water come from for the facility? How much is needed?
The amount of water needed will be dependent on final plant design and chosen technology; however, water use is anticipated to be commensurate with the existing Tenaska Virginia facility. Tenaska is currently evaluating the water supply options, but we anticipate water will come from the James River.
What will the facility do with its wastewater?
The facility will need to obtain a water discharge (Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or VPDES) permit to discharge wastewater. The permit will establish wastewater limits and monitoring requirements. Tenaska will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the permit. Average daily discharge is anticipated to be commensurate with the existing Tenaska Virginia facility. Tenaska is currently evaluating potential discharge locations.
What will be the impact on wildlife?
Impacts on wildlife are expected to be minimal. We will conduct various on-site environmental studies prior to the start of construction to understand and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife. The project will comply with all applicable state and federal permit requirements associated with wildlife, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, the project’s air and water discharge permits are intended to protect both human health and wildlife.
In addition, Tenaska has acquired 350 acres of land slightly to the south of the proposed project site that we intend put into conservation as part of our development plan.
What permits and approvals are needed to bring this project to fruition?
To bring the project to fruition, major permits prior to construction include, but are not limited to:
- Special Use Permit (Fluvanna County)
- Virginia Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (State Corporation Commission)
- Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Quality Permit (Virginia DEQ)
- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Water Discharge Permit (Virginia DEQ)
Will you use eminent domain?
Tenaska is not a utility and does not have the power of eminent domain. Our philosophy is to work with landowners who want to use their land for energy projects.
Why would you build a natural gas-fueled power plant instead of a renewables facility?
Tenaska is an all-of-the-above company that develops a wide range of energy projects, including natural gas, wind, solar and battery storage. We consider the market need and best fit when determining what types of projects to develop and at which location. Right now, there is a market need for reliable power from dispatchable sources such as natural gas-fueled facilities to help meet growing demand. Natural gas remains an abundant and domestically available fuel source, promoting America’s energy independence.
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.
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.
How can the public comment and/or ask questions about the project?
Tenaska understands the importance of two-way communication about the project and the need to be responsive to questions. Information is available on our project website: expeditiongeneratingstation.com. At any time, questions can be directed to a member of our team via community@expeditiongenerating.com.
Additionally, there will be defined public comment processes as part of the various approvals needed for this project to move forward. Information will be publicized when those opportunities arise.