NRG, GE Partners Plan 5 GW Natural Gas Power Plants for Data Centers in Texas, Northeast US

Last Energy, a Washington D.C. startup, has received early approval to build 30 small modular nuclear reactors in Texas, aimed at addressing the increasing power demands from the state's data centers. The project, located in Haskell County, will help support Texas's electrical grid as it faces a surge in electricity consumption driven by population growth and the electrification of oil fields. Meanwhile, NRG Energy is partnering with GE Vernova and Kiewit to expedite the construction of four new natural gas power plants, totaling 5 gigawatts, to meet the needs of data centers in Texas and the mid-Atlantic region. The demand for electricity is intensifying as tech companies, particularly in the AI sector, compete for reliable power sources, leading to a potential increase in reliance on natural gas. Both initiatives highlight the urgent need for innovative energy solutions as data centers are projected to significantly increase their energy consumption in the coming years. As Texas becomes a hub for these data centers, the balance between renewable energy development and fossil fuel usage remains a critical concern.