LG&E and KU Break Ground on New Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Generating Unit

Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) celebrated a significant milestone on November 13 with the groundbreaking of Mill Creek 5, a state-of-the-art 640-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle generating unit. This new facility is set to begin powering homes and businesses in 2027, marking a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future.

Mill Creek 5 is a key component of LG&E and KU’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the reliability of their energy grid. The new unit will be significantly more efficient than traditional coal-fired power plants, producing approximately 65% less carbon per megawatt-hour. This aligns with the utilities' ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The natural gas combined-cycle technology employed in Mill Creek 5 maximizes energy efficiency by utilizing both a gas turbine and a steam turbine. The steam turbine harnesses the waste heat from the gas turbine, further optimizing the energy generation process. This innovative approach will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy supply for the region.

John Crockett, President of LG&E and KU said, "This is an exciting milestone for our company. Executing on our generation investment plan, building Mill Creek 5 and adding more solar and battery storage, ensures we have the right mix of power generation that’s flexible and balanced to support a sustainable energy grid and allow us to transition Kentucky’s energy future safely and reliably."

Lonnie Bellar, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Construction at PPL resonated with the same sentiment. "Once complete, Mill Creek 5 will be a hallmark within our generation fleet that’s already among the nation’s best. The unit features cutting-edge technologies that maximize its power generation capabilities to help us close the gap toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while preserving reliability and affordability for our 1.3 million customers,” he said.

The construction of Mill Creek 5 is a collaborative effort involving several key partners, including GE Vernova, Vogt Power International Inc and TIC-The Industrial Company. By working together, these organizations are committed to delivering a world-class facility that will benefit the community for years to come.

A Brighter Energy Future

The groundbreaking of Mill Creek 5 signifies a significant step forward for LG&E and KU, as well as for the state of Kentucky. This new generating unit will not only help to reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the reliability and affordability of the region's energy supply. As the utility companies continue to invest in clean energy technologies, they are shaping a brighter and more sustainable energy future for their customers.