The City of Ridgeland in Madison County, Mississippi, has taken a major step toward becoming the future site of a large-scale natural gas power plant. The Ridgeland Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a conditional use permit this week, allowing Entergy Ridgeland to advance its $1 billion project despite earlier opposition from the city’s zoning board. This decision permits the utility to begin crucial evaluations, including environmental impact assessments, to determine if a 75-acre parcel along West County Line Road is viable for construction.
Mayor Gene McGee expressed optimism about the facility’s potential economic impact. “It’s a very energy-efficient power plant. There will be no issues, no pollution, and it will generate significant revenue for our city and school system,” he said. The proposed plant is expected to be a 760-megawatt combined-cycle facility and would include a substation capable of transmitting power across a wide area.
Community Pushback and Safety Assurances
Despite municipal support, the project has met resistance from local residents concerned about its proximity to homes and the long-term environmental implications. One resident, Barbara Johnson, voiced emotional opposition, stating, “They’re putting a price tag on our lives. But why? Why do they do that?”
Entergy Ridgeland representatives sought to reassure the community, citing high safety standards and regulatory compliance. Jeremy Vanderloo, Vice President of Business Operations, emphasized that the company adheres to both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) standards. “Safety for our communities and employees has always been our top priority,” he said. He also noted the new facility will follow noise ordinances and feature sufficient buffer space between the plant and nearby homes.
In addition to the safety measures, Entergy plans to conduct several studies required by both state and federal agencies before breaking ground. The company aims to begin site preparation by late summer 2025, with construction starting in 2026 and operations expected to commence by 2029.
Strategic Site Selection and Long-Term Benefits
Entergy Ridgeland believes the Ridgeland location offers a strategic advantage due to its proximity to an existing high-voltage transmission corridor, which includes 115kV, 230kV, and 500kV lines. These lines, some dating back to 1946, provide a ready-made infrastructure network that significantly reduces additional construction costs. “Building the plant here avoids hundreds of millions in extra expenses and ensures long-term reliability of the power grid,” the company stated.
This facility is part of a broader strategy by Entergy to modernize and expand its power generation fleet. In a parallel initiative, the company recently began constructing a similar $1.2 billion plant in Greenville—known as the Delta Blues Advanced Power Station—which will also generate over 750 megawatts of electricity and employ 21 full-time workers.
As plans progress, Ridgeland’s new power station remains a focal point of discussion, balancing the promise of energy efficiency and economic growth with the concerns of residents living near the proposed site.
