On February 17, Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that NRG Energy plans to construct a natural gas power generation facility in Harris County, Texas, with a significant investment of $617 million. The new plant will have a capacity of 455 megawatts and is strategically located within the existing NRG Greens Bayou site in Houston. This project has been designated as part of the state's 'Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation' (JETI) program. The facility is expected to start delivering energy to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid by 2028.

Abbott highlighted this announcement as a testament to Texas's leadership in energy and its commitment to future energy needs. He stated that the new facility will be vital in meeting the electricity demands of households and businesses in Houston, which ranks as the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States. The governor emphasized the importance of securing energy resources as part of the state's growth strategy, especially considering the increasing population and industrial demands in the region.

This significant investment is anticipated to result in lower energy costs for residents and contribute to a robust job market in the area through a public-private partnership model. Such projects align with Texas's ongoing efforts to enhance energy infrastructure while promoting economic development in line with environmental considerations. The collaborative approach aims to ensure reliable energy generation to support economic activities in one of the most populous regions of the country.