As part of its plan to meet growing demand across Southeast Texas and modernize its generation fleet, Entergy Texas Inc. has begun the approval process to construct the Orange County Advanced Power Station, a 1,215-megawatt dual fuel-combined cycle power facility. The plant will be located near Bridge City, TX.

It will be capable of powering more than 230,000 homes and use a combination of natural gas and hydrogen. Hydrogen produces zero carbon emissions as a fuel source for electric generation.

“The addition of this facility will continue our work to provide reliable low-cost and clean energy in Southeast Texas and will provide more than $1.5 billion in net benefits to customers by reducing reliance on energy markets,” says Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas.

An independent economic impact analysis by TXP Inc. found that the construction and operation of the power station will play a major role in creating jobs and driving increased economic activity. Estimates indicate that construction will provide more than 7,000 direct jobs in Texas and nearly $1.8 billion in regional economic activity. Once operational, the plant will provide approximately 27 permanent direct jobs in Texas.

The plant’s ability to be powered by hydrogen supports its long-term viability for customers and the Southeast Texas community. The fuel can be stored nearby in facilities and deployed alongside natural gas to produce lower emissions energy reliably when needed.

If the Public Utility Commission approves Entergy Texas’s application, construction will begin in second quarter 2023. Entergy Texas expects the plant to be in service by summer 2026.