NRG Energy, GE Vernova, and The Industrial Company (TIC), a subsidiary of Kiewit, have launched a collaborative effort to expand electricity generation capacity in the United States. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for power, driven by advancements in computing technology and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The partnership combines the strengths of a power generation firm, an equipment manufacturer, and an engineering, procurement, and construction company to provide efficient and timely energy solutions.

 

The strategic approach aims to ensure a steady supply of power to support the growing GenAI industry.

The project focuses on reducing the time from planning to power delivery, enabling faster deployment of electricity generation to address growing needs. Robert J. Gaudette, executive vice-president of NRG’s business and wholesale operations, stated: “The growing demand for electricity in part due to GenAI and the buildup of data centres means we need to form new, innovative partnerships to quickly increase America’s dispatchable generation.” He emphasized that the collaboration among these three companies prioritizes speed and quality to meet customer requirements.

The venture will initially develop four projects, delivering over 5 gigawatts (GW) of new natural gas combined cycle power plants. These projects target the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) and PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland) markets. The first phase, providing 1.2GW of capacity, is scheduled to start commercial operations in 2029. This phase relies on two 7HA gas turbines secured through an agreement with GE Vernova. The approach is designed to be adaptable and expandable, with the potential to support a future capacity pipeline of 10GW to 15GW across additional U.S. regions.

Further projects are planned to begin operations by 2032, reflecting the partnership’s dedication to consistent and timely energy supply for the expanding GenAI sector. Dave Flickinger, executive vice-president of Kiewit, stated: “We’re excited to be part of this partnership to deliver power generation projects to support the growth and demand of technology development in the U.S.” He highlighted TIC’s extensive experience as an EPC contractor, noting its ability to ensure safety, quality, and prompt delivery while collaborating with NRG and GE Vernova.

This effort aligns with the need to support technological progress in the U.S., particularly in areas requiring significant computing resources. The partnership leverages the combined expertise of the three companies to address current and future energy demands efficiently. By focusing on natural gas combined cycle plants, the venture aims to provide a reliable power source to meet the needs of emerging industries. The scalable model allows for adjustments based on regional requirements, ensuring flexibility as demand evolves over time.