LCRA selects Fagen, Inc. to design and build new peaker power plant in Central Texas

New 190-megawatt plant in Caldwell County expected to be completed in 2025

Aug. 2, 2023

AUSTIN, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority has selected Minnesota-based Fagen, Inc. as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for LCRA’s new peaker power plant being built near Maxwell in Caldwell County.
 
As the EPC contractor, Fagen, Inc. now will begin detailed engineering work for the natural gas-fired plant, which will provide about 190 megawatts of dispatchable power to the Texas power grid. Construction is expected to begin late this summer. The plant is expected to be operational in 2025.
 
The new peaker plant will be able to ramp up and shut down in minutes to supply power to Texans quickly and efficiently. 
 
“We are pleased to be working with Fagen, Inc. on our new plant, which will add much-needed, cost-effective dispatchable power to the Texas power grid,” said LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson. “As this summer has shown, Texas’ demand for power is escalating rapidly, and we are moving forward with plans for the new plant as quickly and safely as possible.”
 
LCRA chose Fagen, Inc. after an extensive selection process largely because of its expertise with EPC projects, including power plants with reciprocating engines such as the 10 high-efficiency Wärtsilä reciprocating engines that will power the new peaker plant.
 
“As we worked through the selection process, it was evident that the LCRA team is committed to building a state-of-the-art facility, and they are passionate about their end goal of providing reliable power to their customers,” said Chris Howard, President & CEO of Fagen, Inc. “We share their commitment and are excited to be part of this great project. We have partnered with Sargent & Lundy (S&L), who is a global leader in power and energy. Alongside a committed client and a top power design firm, Fagen, Inc. is looking forward to a successful project.”
 
One megawatt can power about 200 homes during periods of peak demands, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

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 www.lcra.org.

About Fagen, Inc.
Fagen, Inc. is a full-service EPC contractor headquartered in Granite Falls, MN. Utilizing a database of over 10,000 direct-hire employees, Fagen, Inc. provides both full EPC wraps and General Contractor scope to its client base. We self-perform civil, structural, siding, insulation, millwright, piping, instrumentation, electrical, and commissioning. Striving to be the construction company most admired by our customers for our people, partnerships, performance and finished product, Fagen, Inc. is ultimately building a better world for tomorrow.

Media Contact:

Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
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