Houston Daily

NRG Energy, Inc. will build a new natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station in Harris County, Texas. The project has been recognized as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The facility, which will have a simple cycle design and a capacity of 456 megawatts, is expected to represent a capital investment of about $360 million.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on the development, stating, “Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy. This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses in one of the largest electricity demand centers in Texas. By investing in reliable, dispatchable energy, we will add more power and better fortify our grid.”

In August, NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) reached a loan agreement for the project, which is scheduled to begin operations by summer 2026. The new plant will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Houston Load Zone, covering areas such as Houston, Pasadena, and The Woodlands. This region is recognized as the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Robert Gaudette, Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, highlighted the broader impact of the project: “NRG's new simple cycle 456 MW natural gas facility at the TH Wharton power plant is not only generating significant construction related job opportunities, but once online in 2026, the completed facility will provide additional permanent jobs, enhanced grid stability and regional economic growth. Moving Texas forward to meet surging energy demand involves public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the TH Wharton new build project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program. Thank you to Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (ISD) for being such excellent partners.”

Karen Smith, Chief Financial Officer for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, also noted the local benefits: “The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees supported the partnership with NRG and Governor Abbott’s JETI program for the construction of the TH Wharton power plant because the project will enhance the reliability of the power grid and provide permanent jobs. The TH Wharton project will accommodate the growing energy demand in the district and Houston area.”

Additional details about NRG can be found on their website.