Governor Greg Abbott announced that NRG Energy's new 721-megawatt (MW) natural gas facility in Chambers County has been officially designated as a qualified project under Texas' Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, marking one of the state's largest recent energy investments.
The project, valued at an estimated $936 million, will be built at NRG's existing Cedar Bayou complex and is set to significantly strengthen the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid.
"This Texas-sized $936 million investment... will increase dispatchable electricity generation and further reinforce grid reliability," said Abbott, emphasizing that the JETI program remains a critical tool for attracting major energy-sector development.
The facility will operate as part of a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement announced in September between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). Once operational, expected by mid-2028, the plant will supply new, on-demand power to meet Texas's rapidly rising energy needs.
NRG executives praised the partnership, highlighting both economic and operational benefits.
"This development... will generate significant construction jobs and, once online, will provide additional permanent jobs, new electricity for Texas, and regional economic growth," said Robert J. Gaudette, NRG Executive Vice President and President of Business and Wholesale Operations.
Local Leaders also welcomed the announcement.
Representative Terri Leo Wilsom celebrated the project as a major boost for Southeast Texas, noting its potential to create jobs and strengthen the region's energy infrastructure.
Community partners, including Goose Creek CISD, emphasized the long-term benefits of reliable power and economic growth. Superintendent Dr. Randal O'Brien noted the project will "drive hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth" and help meet the area's evolving energy needs.
B.J. Simon, CEO of Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation, called the Cedar Bayou expansion an example of strategic infrastructure investment essential to sustaining economic growth across Texas.
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