Entergy Texas is set to significantly bolster the Southeast Texas power grid with the construction of two new natural gas power plants, Legend and Lone Star, following approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The combined capacity of these facilities will exceed 1.2GW, marking a substantial addition to the region’s energy infrastructure.
The Legend power station, a $1.6 billion investment, will be built in Port Arthur with a capacity of 754MW. This facility is designed to power over 190,000 homes and is expected to generate $1.79 billion in regional economic activity during its construction phase. Meanwhile, the Lone Star power station, planned near Cleveland, will have a capacity of 453MW and is backed by a $799 million investment. It will supply power to more than 110,000 homes and is anticipated to create $951 million in economic activity. Both projects are part of Entergy Texas’s Southeast Texas Energy Plan, known as STEP Ahead, and are expected to come online by mid-2028.
Entergy Texas CEO Eliecer Viamontes emphasized the importance of these projects in meeting the region’s growing energy demands. “We’ve heard directly from our customers and communities about the need for more power to support our rapidly growing region, and these facilities will deliver just that,” Viamontes said. “From families and business owners to schools and essential services, these power plants strengthen our ability to serve our customers who count on us every day. It’s also a reflection of the extraordinary expansion in our service area and our continued commitment to meeting that growth head-on.”
The addition of these power stations, alongside the Orange County Advanced Power Station project, underscores Entergy Texas’s efforts to provide cost-effective, dependable, and sustainable energy to customers and communities throughout Southeast Texas. The new facilities will play a crucial role in supporting the area’s rapid expansion, ensuring that the region’s energy needs are met efficiently and reliably.
This development comes on the heels of Entergy’s recent five-year joint development agreement with NextEra Energy Resources for 4.5GW of new solar and energy storage projects in the US. The combination of natural gas and renewable energy investments highlights Entergy’s strategic approach to diversifying its energy portfolio and ensuring a stable energy future for its customers.
The construction of these power plants is expected to have a significant economic impact, not only through direct investment but also by creating jobs and stimulating local economies. The projects will likely set a precedent for future energy developments in the region, encouraging further investment in both traditional and renewable energy sources.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the addition of these power stations could influence the broader market by demonstrating the viability of large-scale natural gas projects alongside renewable energy initiatives. This dual approach may encourage other utilities to adopt similar strategies, balancing immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals. The success of these projects could also spur further innovation in energy storage and grid management technologies, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of energy development.
In summary, the approval and construction of the Legend and Lone Star power stations represent a significant step forward for Entergy Texas and the Southeast Texas region. These projects will not only meet the growing energy demands of the area but also contribute to economic growth and job creation. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from these developments could shape the future of energy infrastructure, both in Texas and beyond.