Oglethorpe Power officially broke ground today (Thursday, May 7) on its future two-unit, combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant on Ray Hartley Road in Monroe County.

Oglethorpe Power President and CEO Annalise Bloodworth said the power plant, which is slated to open in 2029, represents a more than $3 billion investment in Monroe County. Bloodworth said the plant will provide “reliable and efficient power” that Georgians desire to power their homes and businesses.

Thursday’s hour-long groundbreaking ceremony, which began at 1 p.m. to avoid the morning downpours, was attended by several hundred persons, including local and statewide government officials and leaders in the power industry.

Bloodworth opened the ceremony by introducing Georgia representatives Robert Dickey, Tangie Herring, Don Parsons, and Dale Washburn along with Sen. Steven McNeel. Monroe County Commissioners, Development Authority of Monroe County members, and other local leaders were also recognized as Bloodworth described how welcoming Monroe County has been to Oglethorpe Power.

Oglethorpe Power Executive Vice President and COO Rich Wallen was next to speak, emphasizing the importance of safety in everything Oglethorpe Power does. Wallen said safety is the company’s core value and priority and said it’s foundational in its decision-making and actions.

“Safety truly defines excellence,” Wallen said.

Wallen then read prepared remarks from Oglethorpe Power Board Chairman Marshall Millwood, who was delayed from arrival due to a multi-vehicle wreck that snarled traffic on I-75 South. Millwood’s speech highlighted the important role Oglethorpe Power plays in keeping the lights on all across Georgia and on the economic impact the plant will provide for Monroe County.

Former Development Authority of Monroe County Executive Director Joyce White, who worked alongside Oglethorpe Power Executive Vice President of External Affairs Heather Teilhet to get the plant project off the ground in 2024, was next to speak. White said Monroe County leaders “cannot be more grateful” that Oglethorpe Power chose to build their natural gas-fired power plant on property it already owned right here in Monroe County. White said Oglethorpe Power also played a crucial role of support for Monroe County Schools’ College & Career Academy as it received grant funding from the Technical College System of Georgia to get started. White said the plant will not only provide future jobs and substantial revenue to Monroe County but it will also provide power throughout the state.

“Thank you Oglethorpe,” White said. “This is an historical day for Monroe County, Georgia.”

Monroe County District 2 Commissioner Eddie Rowland, who represents Smarr, began his remarks by reminding attendees how valuable a gift that each day is and how each day should be maximized to the fullest. Commissioner Rowland described Thursday’s groundbreaking as a “momentous occasion” and a great achievement for the future of power production in Georgia. Commissioner Rowland then listed Oglethorpe Power’s myriad of contributions to Monroe County organizations, including donated land for the Smarr fire station, top soil for Monroe County Public Works, and funding for enhancements to the Monroe Champions baseball complex.

Commissioner Rowland said of Oglethorpe Power leaders: “They have truly been a pleasure to work with. . . You’re not only my neighbor. You are my valued friends.”

House District 145 Rep. Tangie Herring said Monroe County is in the midst of an exciting time. Herring said Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives (EMCs), most which are served by Oglethorpe Power, don’t just provide power for citizens, they empower communities. Herring said Oglethorpe Power’s investment in Monroe County represents opportunity for the Middle Georgia region. Herring said there is no limit to what can be accomplished with a shared purpose.

Senate District 18 Sen. Steven McNeel said construction of the Oglethorpe Power plant will generate up to 1,200 jobs at peak construction over the next several years. He said the investment will provide significant property and sales tax revenue for Monroe County.

Other speakers included: John Eunice, the Associate Administrator of Congressional & Intergovernmental Relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Eric Gray, the CEO of GE Vernova Power Segment, and Andrew Gardner, the Senior Vice President of The Industrial Company (TIC). Gardner, whose TIC firm along with Kiewit Corporation is the engineering, procurement, and construction partner on the plant project, said TIC has been committed to being a responsible partner on the building of the plant since the first day it was hired. Gardner said TIC’s goal is to leave a lasting positive impact after the project is completed.

Bloodworth was the final speaker of the afternoon, noting that the future natural gas-fired power plant will provide power to 29 EMCs around the state.

Bloodworth said, “Electricity is the backbone of safe and prosperous communities.”

Bloodworth said once completed, the future plant will be among the “highest performing, lowest emitting, efficient” natural gas plants in the state. She said Oglethorpe Power will employ 30 permanent workers to operate the plant.

Bloodworth concluded the program with a pair of check donations. Bloodworth presented a check from Oglethorpe Power for $50,000 to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners to be used to build a walking trail at the Monroe County Recreation Department. She also presented a check to Monroe County Schools for $25,000 to be used for additional funding for its brand-new College & Career Academy.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Monroe County Commissioners and other local leaders posed for pictures with Oglethorpe Power staffers, Board members and statewide leaders in an official breaking of ground.