Gov. Greg Abbott announced Nov. 13 an NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) natural gas facility to be constructed at the existing NRG Cedar Bayou power production complex in Chambers County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
The new 721 megawatt (MW) natural gas power plant represents an estimated $936 million in capital investment in Texas.
“Texas energy and innovation fuels record-setting job growth across diverse industries in our great state,” said Abbott. “This Texas-sized $936 million investment in Chambers County and 721-megawatt investment in our state grid will increase dispatchable electricity generation and further reinforce grid reliability. “The JETI program, offered in partnership with our local communities and school districts, is a critical tool to attract the significant business investments needed to ensure every Texas home and business has the power to thrive for decades to come.”
In September, a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced for the new natural gas power plant, which is estimated to begin generating power by mid-2028 and will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region.
“A big thank you to Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (Goose Creek CISD) for being excellent partners in helping power Texas forward,” said NRG Executive Vice President and NRG Business and Wholesale Operations President Robert J. Gaudette. “This development of a new, highly efficient unit at our Cedar Bayou power plant will generate significant construction jobs and once online in 2028 will provide additional permanent jobs, new electricity for Texas, and regional economic growth.
“With power demand surging across Texas, it takes public-private partnerships to meet that demand, and NRG is grateful that the Cedar Bayou project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program,” he added.
“Goose Creek CISD’s collaboration with NRG on the innovative Cedar Bayou project supports a more sustainable energy future,” said Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien.
