JEA is a step closer to construction of a $1.57 billion natural gas power plant in Jacksonville’s Northside.
The Jacksonville Planning Commission approved a zoning exception Nov. 20 that allows the city-owned utility to construct the plant at the former St. Johns River Power Park. The plant is planned on 40 acres at 11201 New Berlin Road.
JEA’s board approved the investment, an alternative to a power purchase agreement, in August.
Zoning exception E-25-54, which the commission approved 6-0, allows for “essential services” on the property. Commissioners Amy Fu, Ali Marar and D.R. Repass were absent for the vote.
The land is zoned as Public Buildings and Facilities-1, which allows for “all lawful government uses.” Gas services are permissible by exception.
The Planning Department recommended approval of the exception with no conditions.
Brenna Durden, an attorney representing JEA, said the utility expects the plant to be operational by late 2030 or early 2031.
JEA materials presented to its board said the utility planned to bring the plant online by late 2031 or early 2032.
JEA shut down and demolished a coal-powered power plant at the location in 2018.
Durden also said that JEA requested approval for a broad range of essential services, because the city-owned utility expects the property will be used for other purposes in the future. Those could include water, gas and other electrical services.
“All of that, of course, depends upon the future growth and the demand by its customers,” Durden said.
JEA says the new unit will produce fewer emissions than a 48-year-old gas-fired unit at JEA’s Northside Generating Station, which JEA hopes to retire. The planned power plant at the former St. Johns River Power Park is capable of being powered by hydrogen, should the emerging technology for operating power plants on that fuel be perfected.
According to JEA documents, the new facility would generate up to 675 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 300,000 homes. The current Northside unit produces 524 megawatts.
The Planning Commission serves as the final decision-maker for nonalcohol-related zoning exceptions. No further action is needed.