• Blue Energy and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy are advancing safety analysis and licensing work for a planned 2.5GW gas-plus-nuclear project in Victoria, Texas
  • The project targets about 1GW of gas-fired generation from 2030 and up to 1.5GW of nuclear capacity from 2032, subject to a 2027 investment decision

The fact

Blue Energy and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy have signed an agreement to advance preliminary safety analysis, licensing support and development work for a proposed 2.5GW gas-plus-nuclear power project in Victoria, Texas. The project remains subject to a final investment decision in 2027. Blue Energy also expects to apply to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a nuclear construction permit in 2027.

The planned first phase uses two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines, reserved for delivery in 2029, to provide approximately 1GW of power as early as 2030. Up to five 300MW BWRX-300 small modular reactors would later provide approximately 1.5GW of nuclear generation from 2032. Blue Energy previously announced a partnership with Crusoe to supply up to 1.5GW of nuclear power to a nearby planned data-centre campus in Victoria.

The assessment

The project is designed to bring electricity online before the nuclear phase is ready. The gas turbines could create an operating power asset while nuclear licensing and construction continue. That changes the sequence of the investment: the project would not have to wait for the reactors before generation begins, although it does not remove the licensing and construction work required for nuclear deployment.

The risk is that the two phases can move on different schedules. Gas-turbine delivery and the targeted 2030 start are much nearer than the proposed nuclear commissioning date. If licensing, reactor manufacturing or financing slips, gas generation could remain the principal source for longer than planned. For BTW readers, the 2.5GW figure is therefore a staged development plan, not deliverable capacity today. The 2027 investment decision and nuclear construction-permit application will be the first tests of whether the gas phase is progressing alongside a financeable nuclear project.

What to watch

Watch for the 2027 final investment decision, the NRC construction-permit application and confirmation that the reserved gas turbines move into firm project delivery. A binding power agreement with Crusoe should clarify how much data-centre load is committed and when it is expected to require electricity.