More Solar and Battery Storage Were Added to Texas’ Grid Than Any Other Power Source Last Year
The Lone Star State saw unprecedented growth in solar power and battery storage capacity in 2024.
Image for illustration purposes.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages 90% of the state’s power load, reported significant additions to its grid. Solar capacity nearly doubled from 4,570 megawatts in 2023 to 9,700 megawatts in 2024. Even more impressive was the growth in battery storage, which tripled from 1,500 megawatts to 4,374 megawatts in the same period.
This rapid expansion of renewables is reshaping Texas’ energy landscape. By spring 2024, solar installations in Texas surpassed those in California, with capacity soaring from 1,900 megawatts in 2019 to over 20,000 megawatts. On some days, solar energy met nearly 50% of the state’s peak power demand.
Battery storage has become a crucial component of the grid, helping to manage demand during ‘bridge hours’ – early mornings and evenings when solar output is low. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas noted that batteries have significantly reduced scarcity during peak demand events, including recent winter storms.
The growth in renewables is driven by several factors, including Texas’ streamlined permitting processes, increasing power demand from data centres and cryptocurrency mining, and the state’s proactive planning. In 2005, Texas created competitive renewable energy zones, establishing transmission lines to connect cities with renewable sources in West Texas.
To accommodate this rapid growth, ERCOT is considering upgrading its transmission system from 345-kilovolt lines to 765-kilovolt lines. By the end of 2025, more than 102 gigawatts of transmission-connected renewable capacity is expected to be installed.
While natural gas still plays a significant role in Texas’ energy mix, with 3,400 megawatts added in 2024, the shift towards renewables is clear. This transition not only enhances grid reliability but also positions Texas as a leader in clean energy innovation.
Source: Inside Climate News
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