Entergy Texas proposes Port Arthur power plant

Entergy Texas has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to build two advanced natural gas power plants in Jefferson and Liberty counties, aiming to meet the rising electricity demand in Southeast Texas as the region’s rapid economic and population growth has led to an urgent need for a 40% increase in generation capacity within four years. 

“The Legend and Lone Star Power Stations will address the critical need for increased power generation capacity, support increased economic activity throughout the region, and pave the way for sustainable energy solutions that will benefit Southeast Texas for decades to come,” Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas, stated. These projects are expected to save customers approximately $370 million over their lifespan. 

Located in Port Arthur, the Legend Power Station will be a 754-megawatt combined cycle combustion turbine facility. This $1.46 billion investment will feature a carbon capture-enabled and hydrogen-capable combustion turbine, producing enough energy to power nearly 190,000 homes. 

Near Cleveland, the Lone Star Power Station will be a 453-megawatt combustion turbine facility. The $753 million project includes a hydrogen-capable combustion turbine and will generate enough energy to power over 110,000 homes efficiently and affordably. 

These power plants, expected to be operational by 2028, will provide 24/7 dispatchable power generation, bringing a total of $2.8 billion in economic benefits to the region. Their construction and operation will also create significant employment opportunities for local communities. 

“As Texas continues to grow, so does our need for more dispatchable, reliable power to help businesses in Southeast Texas and across our great state thrive,” Gov. Greg Abbott commented. “Together, we will power a bigger, better Texas.” 

The Public Utility Commission of Texas will review the proposal in the coming months. 

Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure and executive vice president at Sempra, highlighted the importance of a resilient and sustainable electricity grid for the success of the Port Arthur LNG project. 

“Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG project has the potential to be one of the most significant energy export projects in the world,” he said, “bringing U.S. energy to global markets and supporting job creation, economic prosperity, and wellbeing here at home. This all starts with a resilient and sustainable electricity grid.” 

Entergy Texas’s application is part of the Southeast Texas Energy Plan (STEP Ahead), a six-step plan to add 1,600 MW of generation capacity by 2028.