#USA #Irving #Texas Energy #Permian Basin #Vistra Corp

Vistra's Strategic Investment in Texas Energy

Vistra Corp, a leading player in the energy sector, has taken a significant step forward by announcing its plans to construct new gas-fueled power units in the Permian Basin. This initiative is part of the company's broader effort to enhance grid reliability across Texas. The announcement, made on September 29, 2025, highlights Vistra's commitment to meeting the state's growing energy demands, particularly in light of the expansion of its oil and natural gas industries.

In 2024, Vistra outlined a substantial capital plan aimed at adding over $1 billion worth of generation capacity within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market by 2028. The latest decision underscores the company's commitment to meet customer demands and respond to the increasing power needs of West Texas. Specifically, Vistra will construct two advanced natural gas power units on-site at its Permian Basin Power Plant, adding a total of 860 megawatts (MW) to the facility. This marks a considerable increase in capacity, tripling the site's current output from 325 MW to a total of 1,185 MW.

Jim Burke, the president and CEO of Vistra, expressed the urgency and significance of this project: "As the leading competitive generator in Texas, customers from residential to commercial and industrial are turning to Vistra to help them meet their energy needs. We recognize that energy is critical to powering this economic opportunity, and we expect Texas will play an outsized role."

Strengthening Texas' Energy Grid

Vistra's expansion efforts are not just confined to this latest project. Between 2020 and 2023, the company successfully added about 1,000 MW of new generation capacity by enhancing the output of its existing gas fleet and bringing new projects, such as Brightside, Emerald Grove, and DeCordova, into operation. To maintain Texas's leadership in energy production, Vistra aims to introduce an additional 2,000 MW of new generation capacity—enough to supply electricity for around 1 million homes—by 2028.

Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, lauded Vistra's ambitious investment, stating, "Vistra's bold investment in the Permian Basin will reinforce our state's electric grid, spur jobs, and drive regional economic growth for years to come. Together, we are powering Texas by supporting families, fueling businesses, and meeting the energy demands of our thriving state."

Other Ongoing Projects

Alongside the new power units, Vistra is making strides on various other projects initiated since summer 2024. Some key highlights include:

• - Upgrading Existing Gas Plants: Over the past year, Vistra invested in advanced technologies that have added more than 400 MW of capacity to its existing gas-fueled power plants in Texas. The company aims for total upgrades to eventually contribute up to 500 MW more.
• - Near Completion of Oak Hill Solar Project: A significant solar facility, the 200-MW Oak Hill project, is nearing completion and is expected to begin commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.
• - Repowering Coal Plant: Vistra also plans to repower the Coleto Creek Power Plant, originally slated for retirement. Upgrades will convert it into a gas plant, restoring approximately 630 MW of generation capacity and repurposing existing infrastructure for continued economic benefits to the area.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

With these developments, Vistra continues to position itself as a crucial player in the energy marketplace, integrating sustainability with reliability. Jim Burke underscored the company’s proactive approach: "For decades, our company has been growing our generation fleet in competitive markets, responsibly planning and developing a pipeline of projects to meet America's growing need for power."

By investing nearly $2 billion to add around 3,100 MW of new generation capacity in Texas, Vistra not only strengthens the energy sector but also supports economic growth throughout the state. The company's comprehensive strategy not only caters to immediate energy requirements but also lays a foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

For further details about Vistra's initiatives and diverse energy portfolio in Texas, visit powertexasforward.com.

About Vistra

Vistra Corp, a Fortune 500 integrated electricity and power generation company, has its headquarters in Irving, Texas. It is dedicated to providing essential energy solutions while transforming the energy landscape with a focus on reliability, affordability, and sustainability. With diverse energy assets spanning various sources, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and battery storage, Vistra is committed to meeting the evolving energy needs of customers from California to Maine.