DC mayor's office denies plans for gas-fired power plant at RFK Stadium site amid activist concerns

WASHINGTON - The D.C. mayor's office is denying claims from a coalition of organizations that the Washington Commanders plan to build a gas-fired power plant at the RFK Stadium site.

Addressing the environmental groups' demands, the mayor's office stated on the record that there is no need for, nor will there be, a natural gas-fired power plant at the campus. 

City officials emphasized that D.C. remains committed to a modern, sustainable stadium and campus redevelopment.

However, significant power needs need to be addressed for the proposed project. FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez says Pepco cannot guarantee it will have sufficient electrical infrastructure available to power the new stadium by 2028 ahead of a planned 2030 opening. As a result, the site will need to use natural gas for specific kitchen and heating systems until the local electric structure can be updated.

The 2028 timeline is required for system testing, and city leaders say the stadium must be completed by 2030 to compete for major events, including the 2031 Women's World Cup and the Rugby World Cup.

RELATED: Washington Commanders unveil initial renderings of new stadium design for RFK site

Activists remain concerned about a requested energy waiver. During a September 30 D.C. Council hearing, several advocates urged lawmakers to amend the city's comprehensive plan to explicitly prohibit combustion fuels on the RFK campus. While some stakeholders would support an exception for backup power, others are want a complete ban.

Ramirez said there is no requirement to publicly release an energy plan for the site.  The coalition of organizations held a 10:30 a.m. protest calling for no gas to be used at the stadium at all.

Statement from the Washington Commanders:

"From the beginning, we have been focused on making the new stadium as efficient and sustainable as possible while balancing the complex requirements of a substantial project of this scale. As we work toward opening in 2030, we remain committed to delivering on the commitments we set forth and aligning with the District’s broader environmental goals.

We’re continuing to integrate sustainable measures into the stadium’s design. The project will incorporate green technologies, environmentally responsible construction practices, expanded public open space and ecological recreational amenities, in addition to being one of the most transit-oriented stadiums in the NFL. The new stadium will also have innovative features, including the NFL’s first ice thermal energy storage system, the most on-building solar panel integration for any current NFL stadium, water reuse systems, and a roof designed to reduce energy demand compared to conventional domed venues. We continue to work with our partners to identify additional opportunities to make it as efficient as possible."

Statement from the RFK Project Management Office:

"The District is committed to a modern, sustainable stadium and campus redevelopment that supports a 2030 opening while advancing the District’s long-term environmental goals.

We are working closely with utility providers, the Washington Commanders, and other project partners to ensure the energy infrastructure needed to support the project is in place while planning for the campus’s long-term sustainability. There is no need for, nor will there be, a natural gas-fired power plant at the RFK campus.

As we work toward a 2030 opening, we remain focused on planning for and building an entire campus, to include housing, entertainment, and recreation spaces, that all meet our sustainability goals. This planning is separate from the stadium design process and will be laid out in a forward-looking energy master plan that will guide future energy infrastructure across the broader RFK campus."

Background from the RFK Project Management Office:

• To open in 2030, the stadium needs permanent power in place by April 2028.
• Current planning shows that there will not be sufficient guaranteed electrical capacity available at that time to fully electrify stadium operations, particularly heating and food service.
• While we work to expand capacity and explore full electrification, the gap will be filled with limited natural gas service to support a specific set of kitchen and heating systems until the electricity infrastructure catches up.
• Opening by 2030 is important to the project as it positions the District to compete for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and other major events.
• The energy master plan and the Green Building Advisory Council (GBAC) process serve different purposes and should not be conflated. The GBAC process addresses the infrastructure needed to support the stadium's planned 2030 opening, while the energy master plan will provide recommendations for long-term energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and campus-wide infrastructure coordination.