Blue Energy and GE Vernova plan gas-plus-nuclear plant in Texas

US-based nuclear power plant developer Blue Energy has partnered with GE Vernova on a 2.5GW nuclear and natural gas project.

The companies plan to develop a nuclear power plant using GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor at Blue Energy’s first planned site in Texas.

GE Vernova’s gas turbines are expected to provide approximately 1GW of power to the site as early as 2030, with the BWRX-300s planned to come online as early as 2032.

Blue Energy then plans to deliver nuclear energy to power a nearby data centre campus.

Thus far, a slot reservation agreement has been signed allowing for two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines to be delivered in 2029, subject to a final investment decision in 2027.

Blue Energy explains that its approach to resequencing major phases of nuclear plant construction is unique and supports large module and gas-to-nuclear delivery schedules. It explains that this approach could cut five years off the conventional ten year-plus nuclear timeline and significantly cut capex costs.

Accelerating deployment is particularly important now, states Blue Energy, as domestic manufacturing and AI drive up electricity demand.

Blue Energy CEO and co-founder Jake Jurewicz said the company is "focused on building safe, nuclear power you can plan around – with plants planned to be built on time, on budget, and at scale”.

He added that scaling nuclear energy will help boost American AI leadership while also powering communities.

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GE Vernova chief executive Scott Strazik said: “Innovative projects like this one will help advance the future of nuclear power and meet the surging demand for electricity. We are proud that our collaboration with Blue Energy and others in the entrepreneurial community will play an increasingly important role in accelerating America’s next era of energy leadership.”

The companies are currently exploring various contracting methods and offsite construction of large power plant modules, efforts which aim to reduce capital costs and to accelerate offsite pre-fabrication supply chains.

In terms of next steps, site safety analysis work, as well as other development and characterisation work will be performed to support Blue Energy’s nuclear construction permit application. Site works are planned for 2026.

Blue Energy was founded in 2023 and stems from MIT’s Nuclear Science & Engineering Department. The company is backed by VXI Capital, Engine Ventures, At One Ventures and Tamarack Global.