Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) has significantly bolstered its energy capabilities by installing a GE LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine generator at its Central Plant in Houston. This upgrade strengthens TECO’s ability to provide reliable power and thermal services to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), ensuring it can meet the growing energy demands of its customers as their institutions expand and require greater load capacity.
TECO currently supplies steam and chilled water to 51 buildings across 16 institutions at TMC, which includes renowned facilities such as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hermann, and Houston Methodist, among others.
“At TECO, our top priority is ensuring reliability and efficiency for our customers,” said Mike Manoucheri, president and CEO of TECO. “The institutions we serve are engaged in critical work, whether it’s providing world-class patient care, advancing research, or offering unparalleled education. This project supports their missions, and we are grateful to our Board of Directors and stakeholders for their commitment to this vital investment.”
The turbine installation is part of TECO’s 2021 Master Plan update, which was developed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell. The plan outlines both immediate and future projects to meet TECO’s strategic needs. With the addition of the new turbine, TECO now has the capability to self-generate all the electricity required to supply its thermal utilities at peak demand, ensuring uninterrupted service to its customers.
“We’re proud to have played a role in this significant project that will provide essential services to healthcare institutions across the TMC campus,” said Jon Schwartz, principal of OnSite Energy & Power at Burns & McDonnell. “This project showcases the dedication of everyone involved, and TECO’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence is truly inspiring.”
TECO operates the largest chilled water district energy system in North America, serving the Texas Medical Center since 1969. The nonprofit organization’s combined heat and power (CHP) system delivers thermal utilities across more than 26 million square feet of institutional space, supporting critical cooling, heating, sterilization, and research needs.
About TECO
Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) manages the district energy system that powers the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. As a nonprofit organization, TECO’s CHP-based system provides essential chilled water and steam services to over 26 million square feet of space, ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare, research, and educational facilities across 16 institutions on the TMC campus.