08/25/2026
$16 Billion Power Project Could Transform East Texas
A massive $16 billion natural-gas power project is planned for Anderson County, Texas. Known as Project Anderson, the facility could generate up to 5.2 gigawatts of electricity, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in the region.
The project is being developed by NextEra Energy, with Comstock Resources expected to supply the natural gas. The location is especially important because it sits near Comstock's growing Western Haynesville natural-gas operations in East Texas.
One major reason for the project is the rapidly growing demand for electricity from AI and large data centers. These facilities use enormous amounts of power, and companies are looking for places where reliable electricity can be produced on a massive scale. While no specific technology company has been publicly announced as a customer, data centers have been specifically identified as part of the project's potential demand.
The amount of natural gas required could be enormous. Comstock estimates the project could eventually consume nearly 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas every day by 2031. That could mean more drilling, pipelines, processing facilities, trucking, equipment rentals and oilfield service work throughout East Texas and potentially North Louisiana.
The project could also bring thousands of construction jobs, along with opportunities for local businesses and contractors. Initial power generation could begin as early as 2028, although the project still has to move through permitting, development and construction.
Simply put: AI needs electricity. Electricity needs fuel. East Texas has natural gas. If Project Anderson reaches its planned size, the AI boom could create a major new source of demand for the East Texas and Haynesville natural-gas industry.