Combined-Cycle Power Plant Breaks Ground in Texas

Groundbreaking of Montgomery County Power Station

Entergy Texas, an electricity provider serving approximately 458,000 customers in 27 counties, has broken ground on a 993-megawatt gas turbine combined-cycle power plant in Southeast Texas. The facility, to be known as Montgomery County Power Station (MCPS), is in close proximity to the existing Lewis Creek Power Plant in Willis, Texas, some 50 miles north of Houston.

Thanks to the new technology, Montgomery County Power Station is estimated to save customers approximately $1.7 billion over the next 30 years. Moreover, according to an independent economic analysis by TXP, MCPS will also impact the state’s economy, generating around $1 billion in economic activity across the state during the construction phase, with roughly 7,000 people set to be employed in direct, indirect and induced positions.

McDermott International provides engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the 2×1 combined-cycle power station. The plant is expected to begin commercial operation in mid-2021.

“Southeast Texas is growing, and Entergy Texas needs to invest now to power that growth,” Sallie Rainer, president & CEO of Entergy Texas, said in a prepared statement. “MCPS is a part of our $2 billion investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, spur economic development and serve our customers.”

Entergy Louisiana’s 980-megawatt St. Charles Power Station, under construction since early 2017, is anticipated to begin commercial operation in June this year.

Image & video courtesy of Entergy