Energy group Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) has confirmed the launch of a major natural gas-fired power plant in West Texas, following the approval of a $1.1bn loan from the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF). The CPV Basin Ranch Energy Center, with a capacity of 1,350 megawatts, will be located in Ward County in the heart of the Permian Basin, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2029.
A key project for dispatchable capacity in the state
This project alone accounts for more than 10% of the 10-gigawatt goal set by the TxEF to strengthen dispatchable power generation capacity in Texas. It is currently the largest project selected under the programme, designed to address the challenges of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, which remains highly exposed to extreme weather events.
The power plant will draw on multiple natural gas supply sources, including those from Coterra, Devon Energy and Diamondback Energy. Direct access to these resources is intended to ensure the facility’s operational stability during peak demand periods, reducing the risk of grid disruptions.
Construction awarded to Gemma Power Systems
Construction works, awarded to Gemma Power Systems, will begin immediately. The facility will be equipped with high-efficiency turbines supplied by GE Vernova and has been designed and permitted to integrate carbon capture systems in future phases. While the carbon capture technology will not be deployed in the initial phase, infrastructure is in place to allow for future deployment.
The project is part of CPV’s development pipeline of more than 10 GW of dispatchable and renewable capacity. According to the company, the power plant will be capable of supplying electricity to approximately 850,000 households in West Texas.
Efficiency and scalability targets
Peter Podurgiel, President of CPV Low Carbon Generation, stated that the project has been under development for four years and, once completed, will be among the most efficient plants in Texas. He emphasised the project’s compatibility with evolving technology standards, particularly regarding emissions reduction.
Eric Gray, President and CEO of GE Vernova Gas Power, said the H-Class turbine technology being used offers flexible and efficient power generation, while enabling a long-term pathway to lower-carbon solutions.
