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 designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The facility will have a capacity of 456 megawatts and represents an estimated capital investment of $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.”
A Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced in August for the construction of the facility, which is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. The project will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Houston Load Zone, which includes Houston, Pasadena, and The Woodlands, an area that is among the largest metropolitan regions in the United States.
Robert Gaudette, Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, said, “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 of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, also commented on the project: “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.”
More information about NRG can be found on their website.
