For the first time in history, Texas has generated more electricity from solar power than from coal — a landmark shift for the largest energy-producing state in the U.S.
This milestone occurred on Texas’ primary power grid, operated by ERCOT, which supplies electricity to about 90% of Texans.
The shift is being driven by rapid expansion of utility-scale solar farms, falling solar costs, and the retirement of aging coal plants that are increasingly expensive and heavily regulated. Texas’ abundant sunshine further accelerates solar productivity.
Solar power has quickly evolved from a minor contributor into a central pillar of Texas’ energy mix, complementing wind power, where the state already leads the nation. While natural gas still dominates overall generation, coal continues to decline, underscoring how rapidly the energy landscape is changing.
This moment matters beyond symbolism. It shows that clean energy can outperform fossil fuels on pure economics — even in a state long associated with oil and gas. What happens in Texas often signals where U.S. energy trends are headed next.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten