Cedar Bayou Gas Power Plant | 1,530 MW Facility in Texas, USA

Cedar Bayou is a gas-fired power plant located in Texas, United States, with a capacity of 1,530 megawatts (MW). Owned by NRG Texas Power LLC, the facility is operational and contributes to the regional electricity grid. Its scale places it among the larger gas power plants in the country, reflecting the importance of natural gas in the U.S. energy sector. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired facility, it typically has lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal plants, but still must comply with emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants. Cedar Bayou plays a significant role in meeting the power demands of the Texas grid, which is managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The plant's gas-fired technology allows for flexible operation, supporting grid stability and integration of renewable energy sources. Its location in the Gulf Coast region also benefits from proximity to natural gas supply infrastructure.

The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Texas, a state with significant oil and gas production, means it operates in an area with existing industrial activity. Proximity to populated areas may raise local air quality considerations, particularly for NOx and ozone formation, which are regulated under the EPA's NAAQS.