Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Vistra OKs 860 MW Permian Gas Build, Signs 20-Year 1,200 MW Comanche Nuclear PPA

The twin moves respond to surging West Texas load growth tied to oilfield electrification.

W.A. Parish Power Plant, owned by NRG Energy, on Friday March 24, 2023 in Richmond. NRG Energy and Vistra are among the largest power generation companies in Texas.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Two new gas units at the Permian Basin plant will raise capacity from 325 MW to 1,185 MW, with operations targeted for 2028 at a total cost near $950 million, according to the company.
  • An SEC 8-K disclosed a 20-year agreement to supply 1,200 MW of carbon-free power from Comanche Peak to an investment-grade buyer, with deliveries beginning in Q4 2027 and ramping to full by 2032.
  • Vistra has not named the nuclear offtaker; Scotiabank noted the contract covers roughly half of Comanche Peak’s capacity, which left some investors wanting more detail.
  • ERCOT projects Permian demand to more than double by 2030, and Texas regulators have approved roughly $13–$15 billion in new transmission to move power to the region.
  • Vistra shares fell about 2% Monday as analysts weighed execution risks and timing, with Jefferies previously flagging Texas reliability and regulatory uncertainties despite long-term demand tailwinds.