On Tuesday Night, Kershaw County Council approved a 40-year fee in lieu of taxes incentive agreement for Project Ballast, advancing plans for a proposed $900 million natural gas-fired power plant near Bethune. The measure passed on a 4-to-3 vote Tuesday night. Council members Shoemake, Tucker, Connell and Tomlinson voted for the agreement, while Council members Brazell, Catoe, and Jones voted against the agreement.
The project, led by BRNG LLC and its affiliate Beaufort Rosemary, will develop a 500-megawatt energy generation facility designed to strengthen South Carolina’s electric grid, support the state’s continued growth, and improve reliability during periods of peak demand or emergencies. The plant will feature dual-fuel capability, allowing it to operate on propane if natural gas service is interrupted, and will include black start technology to help restore power after major outages.
County leaders say the project will create hundreds of construction jobs, 15 permanent full-time positions, and strengthen the local tax base. During Tuesday’s meeting, several residents voiced concerns about traffic, noise, air quality, and the impact on nearby homes, while supporters said the facility is a necessary investment to meet the region’s growing energy needs and ensure reliable power for future generations.
The project must still obtain all required state and federal permits before construction can begin, with operations expected to start in the second quarter of 2028.