Virginia county postpones decision on massive 1.5-gigawatt natural gas power plant for third time

The Fluvanna County Planning Commission has once again pushed back its decision on a controversial proposal to build a major natural gas power plant in central Virginia. The commission will now review the project on January 13, marking another delay in the months-long deliberation process over the facility that would significantly impact the region’s energy landscape.

Power producer Tenaska is seeking approval for the 1.5-gigawatt natural gas plant in Fork Union, Virginia. If approved, the facility would be large enough to power approximately 1.2 million homes and would connect to the PJM Interconnection, the regional electrical grid that serves 13 states and Washington D.C. The project represents a substantial addition to Virginia’s energy infrastructure at a time when the state is grappling with balancing reliable power generation against its clean energy commitments.

The repeated delays suggest the planning commission is carefully weighing the proposal’s alignment with Fluvanna County’s comprehensive development plan. Local planners must consider factors including environmental impact, community concerns, economic benefits, and how the facility fits into the county’s long-term vision. The decision comes as Virginia pursues aggressive clean energy goals, including a mandate to achieve carbon-free electricity by 2045, making the approval of new fossil fuel infrastructure increasingly contentious.

The January vote will determine whether Tenaska’s proposal moves forward in the permitting process, potentially setting a precedent for future energy development in the region as utilities work to maintain grid reliability while transitioning to cleaner power sources.