A❤️453-word🧡under💛2.5-minute💚read.
I’m no fan of solar or wind, but both technologies have a place, and can be deployed in places that makes a good deal of sense. One such place that is well suited for both technologies is Texas, which enjoys excellent sun and wind, and lots of open flat land. These characteristics have contributed to Texas becoming the home of “Big Renewables.”
Reuters recently reported that Texas has installed nearly 80% more combined solar, wind, and battery storage than the next largest state. At the end of 2024, the state had 42 GW of wind, 22 GW of solar, and 6.5 GW of utility-scale battery capacity.
On March 2 of this year, at 2:40 pm CST, renewable energy conditions perfectly aligned and Texas renewables collectively set a record of supplying ERCOT with 76% of its demand.
Contrary to what anti-renewable forces spout, data suggests that in addition to saving ratepayer’s money, renewables have helped to improve grid reliability during periods of extreme heat.
This is all without mentioning the economic contribution. The University of Texas estimates that renewable projects will contribute close to $50 billion in tax revenues and landowner payments. And the solar industry alone employs an estimated 12,000 people.
So why in the world is the Texas Senate trying to “kill the renewable goose?”
Recently, the Senate passed two bills: SB388 and SB819. The bills would take the wind out of the sails of wind and cloud the future of solar.
Senate Bill 388 would require 50% of ERCOT’s generating capacity to come from dispatchable generation, which conveniently excludes batteries. The Texas Utility Code defines “non-dispatchable” as facilities whose output “is controlled primarily by forces outside of human control. In other words – solar and wind. Operators can buy dispatchable power credits to cover deficits, but that serves to up the price tag of renewables.
Senate Bill 819 is worse. It would place new restrictions on solar and wind projects 10 MW or larger. It would require new permits, approvals, and fees, including new environmental impact reviews, which is more than a bit ironic.
If passed, the bills would theoretically benefit natural gas generation. Just one problem: lead times for gas turbines long and getting longer.
I haven’t seen reporting that indicates how the Texas House will vote, or whether Governor Abbott would sign the bills if they make it to his desk. Perhaps saner head will prevail. But it begs the question: does sucking up to President Trump completely throw common sense out the window?
Again, I’m no shill for either solar or wind, but both provide measurable cost and reliability benefits to Texas. The Texas Senate should be ashamed of itself. It has turned public service into public disservice.
#solarpower #windpower #batterystorage #texas #ERCOT
#Thinking #Energy #Central
