Tuesday hearing about a gas-fired power plant in Licking County is among 6 proposed or under construction
A public hearing is scheduled on Will-Power's proposal to build a 500-megawatt natural gas power plant and 260-megawatt battery storage system in western Licking County. The proposal is part of a broader wave of power plants intended to supply Ohio data centers, prompting concerns about air quality and environmental impacts.
The Ohio Power Siting Board will hold a public hearing on Will-Power's proposed 500-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant and 260-megawatt battery storage facility in western Licking County, followed by an evidentiary hearing before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The project is among several proposed or under construction power facilities intended to serve data centers, many of which would operate as behind-the-meter generators rather than supplying the broader electric grid.
Public concern has grown over emissions from the plants and backup generators associated with more than 50 data centers in Licking County. Community Air Monitoring Licking County is collecting baseline air-quality data, while residents have mounted strong opposition to other proposals, including the Ashville Energy Center and Fairfield Energy Center, which remain pending before the Ohio Power Siting Board.