Dominion proposes one of nation’s largest gas plants to meet data center demand

Dominion Energy is seeking to construct the Cumberland Energy Center, a substantial 3-gigawatt methane gas power plant on nearly 1,000 acres in northern Cumberland County, Virginia. If approved, the facility would be the second-largest of its kind in the United States and the largest in Virginia. The utility company explicitly states that the plant is primarily driven by the escalating electricity demands of data centers, projecting that 99% of its new peak demand by 2030 will originate from this sector.

The proposed plant has drawn considerable criticism from residents of rural Cumberland County, an area identified as an environmental justice community. Concerns revolve around potential degradation of air and water quality, increased noise and traffic, and adverse health impacts for the approximately 10,000 residents. Environmental groups and community members are particularly alarmed by the plant's proposed water usage, estimated to average 800,000 gallons per day and potentially reach 2 million gallons per day from the Cobbs Creek Reservoir—a volume significantly higher than the county's total residential water consumption.

Dominion submitted a conditional-use permit application to Cumberland County on June 26, detailing the project's scope and potential environmental footprint. The application also notes the presence of significant wetlands and protected species, including the James River spinymussel, which could be impacted by thermal pollution from discharged water. Additionally, questions have been raised regarding the unproposed methane gas pipeline from Columbia Gas of Virginia and the specific intake and discharge locations for water. Community members have already voiced strong opposition at planning commission meetings in July and August, urging commissioners to reject the proposal.