Houston Daily

NRG Energy, Inc. plans to build a new natural gas power plant at its Cedar Bayou complex in Chambers County, Texas. The project has been recognized as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. With an estimated capital investment of $936 million, the facility will add 721 megawatts (MW) of dispatchable electricity generation to the state’s grid.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on the development: “Texas energy and innovation fuels record-setting job growth across diverse industries in our great state. 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.”

A loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced in September for this project. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2028 when the plant will begin serving customers within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region.

Robert J. Gaudette, Executive Vice President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations President, stated: “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. 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.”

State Representative Terri Leo Wilson also welcomed NRG’s investment: “Chambers County continues to show why our region is one of the best places in Texas for industry to grow and thrive. This investment by NRG strengthens our local economy, creates new jobs for our families, and supports the reliable energy infrastructure that our state depends on. I am proud to welcome this project to our district, and I look forward to working with NRG and our community partners as we build a stronger future for Southeast Texas.”

Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia highlighted benefits beyond energy supply: “The addition of NRG’s 721 MW power plant not only strengthens grid stability and reliability, it also enhances the county’s ability to retain and attract a broad cross section of industries. The Commissioners Court was pleased to join with local governmental partners in incentivizing the project.”

Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O'Brien emphasized educational collaboration: “Goose Creek CISD’s collaboration with NRG on the innovative Cedar Bayou project supports a more sustainable energy future. This initiative will strengthen grid resilience, drive hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth across the greater Baytown area and help meet the evolving energy needs of our community and state.”

B.J. Simon from Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation added: “Undergirding any vibrant economy and effective economic development efforts requires the continuous improvement and development of infrastructure. The NRG Cedar Bayou 5 power plant is an exemplar in that regard.”