LCRA selects Caldwell County for site of new peaker plant

New plant will add much-needed power to Texas electric grid

March 17, 2023

CALDWELL COUNTY, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority announced Friday its new peaker power plant will be built in Caldwell County.

The new plant, which will provide about 190 megawatts of dispatchable power to the Texas power grid, will be built on a 51-acre-site in the Maxwell area.

Preliminary work has begun, with construction expected to begin this summer. The plant is expected to be operational in 2025.

“The new plant furthers our commitment to providing power to Texans,” said LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson. “Thousands of people are moving to our state every week, and I’m proud LCRA is continuing to develop new sources of power to help support our state’s dynamic growth.”

The new natural gas-fueled peaker plant will be able to ramp up and shut down in minutes when the need for power approaches or exceeds what is available from renewable and other thermal generation. The plant will include 10 Wartsila reciprocating engines, with each engine able to provide about 19 megawatts of power.

About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.

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