Governor Greg Abbott announced that NRG Energy, Inc. will construct a new 456-megawatt (MW) natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station in Harris County. The project has officially been designated as a qualified project under Texas's Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
The program represents an estimated $360 million investment aimed at strengthening the state's energy grid.
"Texas energy powers out the state's booming economy," Abbott said. "This investment by NRG will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses in one of Texas' largest electricity demand centers. By investing in dispatchable energy, we will better fortify our grid."
The facility is supported through a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. It will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Houston Load Zone, which includes Houston, Pasadena, and The Woodlands.
NRG's Executive Vice President Robert Gaudette highlighted the project's benefits, including new construction and permanent jobs, enhanced grid stability, and long-term economic growth.
"Moving Texas forward to meet surging energy demand involves a public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the TH Wharto new build project is part of Governor Abbott's innovative JETI program," said Gaudette.
The initiative has been praised as it is expected to help meet increasing energy needs while supporting local employment.
