$146M Backup Power Source Planned For Sugar Land

Sugar Land, Texas, is planning for the worst. The town was affected by the impacts of Winter Storm Uri in 2021 (see photo). The extreme cold caused the state’s power grid to fail, leaving millions without electricity for days, killing at least 246 people, and causing between $80 and $130 billion in damages.

Sugar Land has okayed a lease to start building a $146 million power generation plant with an output capacity of 135 megawatts. In the event of a grid failure, weather-resistant engines powered by natural gas can restore power within five minutes. The plant will provide electricity without relying on external grids, even during a blackout.

Facilitated by Sugar Land Economic Development and Tourism, the development will be located on approximately 100 acres next to Highway 6 and Highway 90A. Construction partners have not yet been chosen. Upon completion, the power plant is expected to bring various economic benefits, including new jobs and increased revenues for the city.