Energy developer Blue Energy and GE Vernova have announced a major collaboration to build a 2.5-gigawatt power project in Texas that combines nuclear and natural gas generation – an approach aimed at meeting surging U.S. electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
The project would deploy small modular reactor (SMR) technology from GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the BWRX-300 reactor design alongside GE Vernova's high-efficiency gas turbines. The hybrid model is designed to provide immediate power through natural gas before transitioning to nuclear energy as reactors come online.
Blue Energy CEO Jake Jurewicz described the partnership as a scalable model for the future of energy infrastructure.
"We're bringing together safe reactor technology, critical infrastructure, and a financeable delivery model," he said. "This collaboration can unlock a blueprint for scaling nuclear energy faster and more affordably."
Under current plans, the companies aim to construct the nuclear facility at Blue Energy's first Texas site, with a final investment decision expected in 2027. As part of early development, the firms have reserved delivery slots for two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines, scheduled for deployment in 2029 to enable early site energization.
The hybrid structure allows the project to begin generating electricity, potentially up to 1 gigawatt, by around 2030 using natural gas, before transitioning to approximately 1.5 gigawatts of nuclear power as SMRs come online as early as 2032.
GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik emphasized the broader implications for U.S. energy supply.
"Innovative projects like this will help meet the surging demand for electricity," he said, noting the company already supports nearly half of U.S. electricity generation through its technologies.
Blue Energy expects to begin early site work in Texas as soon as 2026, with plans to apply for a construction permit in 2027. The facility is ultimately intended to supply power to nearby data centers, positioning it at the intersection of energy infrastructure and the rapidly growing AI economy.
