Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) are proposing new generation and storage projects in response to anticipated load growth increases.
This includes building two new 645-megawatt (MW) natural gas combined-cycle (NGCC) units, 400 MW of battery storage and upgrading environmental controls on Unit 2 at the Ghent Generating Station to further reduce emissions.
Regarding the new natural gas units, the need for additional generation at the companies’ E.W. Brown Generating Station in Mercer County was acknowledged by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) in 2023. As outlined in filings to state regulators last week and pending approval, LG&E and KU expect to have the first unit, Brown 12, available in 2030 and the second unit, Mill Creek 6, available in 2031.
The 400 MW of battery storage will be sited at the Cane Run Generating Station. The selective catalytic reduction system to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions will be installed at Ghent Unit 2, the companies say. Both will be available in 2028.
LG&E and KU say they are currently in discussions with a variety of businesses that, all total, in the coming years have the potential generation need of up to 8,000 MW, more than double the utilities’ current energy demand. The companies anticipate economic load growth increases of 2,000 MW between now and 2032.
“This is an exciting time for Kentucky as the interest in locating new and expanding businesses continues to grow,” said John R. Crockett III, LG&E and KU President and PPL Chief Development Officer. “These investments in our system will allow us to continue serving our customers safely and reliably while meeting our regulatory obligation and the growing economic interest in the commonwealth – all while maintaining affordability.”
