Entergy Texas and Governor Greg Abbott Break Ground on New Power Stations

The two new plants in Port Arthur are expected to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity to power over 300,000 homes.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:18am

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A clean, modern 3D illustration depicting a stylized power plant with multiple cooling towers and turbines, surrounded by a cityscape of skyscrapers and residential buildings, representing the scale and importance of the new energy infrastructure project in Southeast Texas.The groundbreaking of two new power stations in Port Arthur aims to bolster Texas' energy leadership and support the region's expanding population and industry.Port Arthur Today

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and officials from Entergy Texas held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 9, 2026, for the construction of two new power generation stations in Port Arthur, Texas. The Legend and Lone Star power stations are designed to increase energy capacity and provide reliable electricity to meet the growing demands of the Southeast Texas region.

Why it matters

The new power stations are part of a broader effort by the state to support the expanding population and industrial growth in the Southeast Texas region. Governor Abbott touted Texas as the undisputed energy leader in the U.S., and the project is seen as critical to stabilizing the grid and ensuring consistent energy supply for the area's continued development.

The details

The two stations are expected to produce approximately 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which officials stated is sufficient to power more than 300,000 homes. Entergy leadership emphasized that the scale of growth in Southeast Texas necessitates significant infrastructure investment, with the demand created by families, businesses, and industries choosing the region requiring the construction of two plants to effectively drive job creation and support economic development.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 9, 2026.
  • The two new power stations are expected to be operational in the coming years.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas, who touted the state's position as the undisputed energy leader in the U.S. and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

Entergy Texas

The utility company that is constructing the two new power generation stations in Port Arthur, Texas.

Drew Marsh

The chair and CEO of Entergy, who emphasized the region's skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and global reach, all of which depend on affordable and reliable power.

Eliecer Viamontes

The president and CEO of Entergy Texas, who explained that the demand created by families, businesses, and industries choosing Southeast Texas required the construction of two plants to effectively drive job creation and support economic development.

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What they’re saying

“No state provides more power generation than the great State of Texas. Today, we are expanding that leadership by breaking ground on two new massive power generation stations. We thank Entergy for investing in our state and for powering our future.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

“The region is characterized by a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and global reach, all of which depend on affordable and reliable power.”

— Drew Marsh, Chair and CEO of Entergy

What’s next

The Legend and Lone Star power stations are expected to be operational in the coming years, providing a significant boost to the energy capacity and reliability in the Southeast Texas region.

The takeaway

This project highlights Texas' continued commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure to support the state's growing population and economic development. While the new power stations are seen as critical resources, the development has also raised concerns from some local residents about safety and environmental impacts that will need to be addressed.