NRG to Build 455-Megawatt Gas Unit at Greens Bayou, $617M Investment

NRG Energy announced a $617 million capital investment to add a 455-megawatt natural-gas unit at its Greens Bayou generating station in northeast Houston, officials said Feb. 17, 2026. Houston Public Media reported the project is expected to create about 514 construction jobs during the build and about 14 full-time plant positions after completion.

The project was designated a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation program, known as JETI, a state incentive tool launched in 2024 to attract large capital-intensive investments. Gov. Greg Abbott framed the deal as part of Texas’ energy leadership, saying, "This $617 million investment by NRG in Harris County will add more power to Texas' energy infrastructure and help meet energy needs of Texas homes and businesses in the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Smart investments like these will power and sustain an even brighter future in Texas for generations to come."

NRG President Robert Gaudette emphasized the public-private nature of the plan and tied it to the JETI designation, saying, "Moving Texas forward to meet rising energy demand involves public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the Greens Bayou new build project is part of Governor Abbott's innovative JETI program." In the governor's press release, Gaudette added the new 455-megawatt facility will enhance grid stability, create job opportunities, and help make power more affordable for homes and businesses.

The governor's office also noted a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas was announced in November 2025, a financing element officials flagged as central to the project. Houston Public Media reported a project official identified only as "Pistner" said, "We have a target for this unit to be online and supporting not just the Houston grid, but the entire ERCOT grid (by) summer of 2028," giving a more specific timeline within the broader 2028 target reported elsewhere.

The Greens Bayou plant sits along Beaumont Highway in northeast Harris County at the site of an existing NRG facility, local coverage noted. Galena Park Independent School District Superintendent John Moore welcomed the announcement; Houston Public Media quoted the district saying, "Galena Park ISD recognizes the potential of NRG's investment in the Greens Bayou project and the positive impact it may bring to our community." The district did not provide further details on formal involvement or financial arrangements.

Policy details remain limited in public materials. Houston Public Media reported that JETI provides property tax cuts to qualified companies, while the governor's press release and AP reporting confirmed the project's JETI qualification and the November 2025 loan announcement but did not publish loan terms or specific tax-abatement amounts. Houston Public Media supplied the construction and permanent job estimates; state materials did not include those figures.

Neighbors along Beaumont Highway should expect visible construction activity and related traffic as the build progresses toward the 2028 target. For now, NRG, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Galena Park ISD are the primary named partners on the record; details on loan terms, contractor hires, and any community benefit agreements have not been released. Share this story with neighbors near Greens Bayou who may see construction and job opportunities.