Renewables growing faster than fossil fuels in Texas
Dive Brief:
- Renewable generation is growing faster than fossil-fueled power supply in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) footprint, according to the Energy Information Administration.
- With about 12,200 MW of wind, Texas has the most wind generation among all states. Most of the wind is in West Texas and transmission lines are being built to deliver the power to heavily populated areas in Eastern Texas.
Dive Insight:
Wind provided 9.2% of ERCOT's energy last year, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Wind developers are continuing to add wind in the state to take advantage of the federal production tax credit that is set to expire at the end of the month. Texas has the best wind resources in the U.S., according to AWEA. While there may be a lull in wind project development in Texas after the tax credit expires, expect to see more wind farms getting built in the state. Also expect to see more natural gas-fired plants being built, both to meet peak demand, but also to help integrate the wind farms onto the grid.
Recommended Reading:
Energy Information Administration: Renewable electricity production grows in Texas
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/renewables-growing-faster-than-fossil-fuels-in-texas/201226/