TX energy challenges could be solved with solar

May 9, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Texas can help ensure the reliability of its electricity supply by deploying more solar energy, especially during the coming summer months which could be marked by extreme heat and drought conditions, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' (ERCOT) Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy (SARA) and the semiannual update to its long-term Capacity, Demand and Reserves (CDR) report.

Five months ago, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) concluded that Texas is the only region in North America not maintaining adequate electric reserves to meet the state's growing demand. NERC underscored the need for increased electric generation capacity in Texas to provide reliable power to quickly meet and sustain growing demand, and pressed ERCOT to develop an action plan to mitigate the risk to the state.

Based on the findings in its SARA and CDR report, ERCOT will initiate conservation alerts or power watches this summer during hours of peak electricity usage.

While ERCOT's planning reserve margin is expected to be higher than its target, load growth forecasts remain uncertain in the longer term.

"Texas' potential for solar power, combined with solar energy's low water usage and peak generation, makes it a perfect fit for the state's current and long‐term electricity needs," said Carrie Cullen Hitt, senior vice president of state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "Installing more solar in Texas would entice more solar companies to do business in Texas, and further fuel the Texas economy by creating jobs and increasing investment in the state."

Texas ranks 13^th in the U.S. for cumulative installed solar capacity, according to the SEIA. However, the state could be doing a lot more for its infrastructure when it comes to using solar. With acres of usable land, Texas has huge potential -- more than twice that of any other state -- to increase its solar ranking.

"Texas faces the dual challenges of inadequate energy infrastructure and an economy still in recovery," said Adam Browning, executive director of the Vote Solar Initiative. "The sun rises every morning, ready to tackle those challenges head on. Pro-business policies can help Texans take advantage of the state's vast solar power potential and drive investment in a competitive local job-creating industry."

For more:
- see this report
- see this report

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/tx-energy-challenges-could-be-solved-solar/2013-05-09