Sugar Land to terminate contract for power plant

Sugar Land officials have decided to go in a different direction regarding its proposed rapid-start power plant, a project that drew pushback from some community members last fall.

What’s happening?

Sugar Land officials have begun the process to terminate the lease agreement with Wartsila Development and Financial Services Inc. for the city’s proposed power plant, city officials shared in an emailed statement. The company specializes in sustainable technology in the marine and energy markets.

The power plant was set to be located on the 8-acre site of the former Central State Prison Farm east of Orchard Lake Estates and Chelsea Harbour to deliver additional power to Texas’ electrical grid. However, the project announcement in May was met with pushback from some residents.

Zooming in

City officials said they believe the proposed site may be “better suited for other developments that align with long-term strategic planning goals,” per the statement.

Carlos Hernandez, assistant director communications and community engagement for Sugar Land, said the city’s current focus for the site includes infrastructure enhancements, including water utilities and detention, to prepare the site for future development.

“The city will continue to pursue and evaluate opportunities for this site that align with our long-term strategic goals,” he said.

What’s next

City Council will consider the lease termination at a future meeting, city officials said in the statement.