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PUC of Texas Approves Entergy Texas' Plans to Build Over 1,200 MW of Gas-Fired Capacity

LCG, September 12, 2025--Entergy announced yesterday that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved Entergy Texas’ proposal to build two efficient natural gas-fired power plants to support the region’s rapid growth. The combined electric generating capacity of the two facilities, the Legend Power Station and the Lone Star Power Station, will add over 1,200 MW to the Southeast Texas power grid to support new customer demand, increase reliability and lower costs for all customers. Both facilities are scheduled to commence operations by mid-2028.

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Puget Sound Energy Starts Construction on 142-MW Appaloosa Solar Project in Washington

LCG, September 4, 2025--Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced yesterday that phased construction has commenced on its 142-MW Appaloosa Solar Project, a utility-scale solar facility underway in southeastern Washington. The project is being built by Qcells EPC, who will serve as the module manufacturer and the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solution provider. Construction is scheduled through 2026, and commercial operation is expected at the end of next year.

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Industry News

California Biomass Plants' Viability Uncertain

LCG, December 23, 2002--Biomass plants in California's smoggy Central Valley, which have received state funding to assist with higher costs relative to other renewable power sources, could close within six months due to the state's unprecedented budget deficit.

Some of the plants, which require labor-intensive preparation of waste from agricultural sources, had previously closed in the 1990's, but then started up again when subsidies amounting to $30 million were approved by the state for three years, starting in 2000. The grants were viewed by legislators who approved them as a way to reduce air pollution in the Central Valley more cost-effectively than could be achieved by other means. Planning officials with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District say that for $1,400, the biomass plants can reduce particulates by a ton, whereas $5,710 might be incurred elsewhere to achieve the same effect. Without the biomass plants, field waste is burned at the farms where it is generated, resulting in 95 percent more soot, produced by 100 millions tons of waste each year.

Plants like Delano Energy may be able to continue operating, by virtue of their owners having signed contracts with a utility, in this case San Diego Gas and Electric. At other plants, like Madera Power in Firebaugh and Dinuba Energy in Tulare county, the uncertainty associated with California's projected $30 billion deficit has meant that lenders are unwilling to step in unless the plants are operating under 15- to 20-year contracts. Speaking to the Sacramento Bee, Sarah Reyes, D-Fresno, said, "Biomass is important not only for air quality, but for energy production." However, because of the deficit, she noted, "there's not going to be an opportunity for the state to subsidize them."

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