Volts

What in tarnation is going on in Texas?

47 snips
Apr 16, 2025
Doug Lewin, a seasoned energy consultant and newsletter creator, joins the discussion to dissect Texas's unexpected role as a renewable energy leader. They talk about the state's legislative pushback against clean energy, highlighting measures that could stifle solar and wind development. Doug delves into the implications of recent funding for microgrids versus gas plants, and the challenges posed by new bills like Senate Bill 715, which complicate the transition to more reliable renewables. The conversation also touches on Texas's appeal to tech companies and the importance of policy in shaping the energy landscape.
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INSIGHT

Texas's Renewable Boom Unplanned

  • Texas's huge renewable energy boom was unintentional yet driven by market dynamics favoring low-cost power.
  • The state's unique electricity market structure prioritizes only paying for actual generation over capacity.
INSIGHT

Industrial Electrification Spurs Growth

  • Industrial electrification drives most Texas power demand growth, overtaking residential use.
  • Grid electricity is often cheaper than on-site gas combustion for industries, prompting this shift.
INSIGHT

Winter Storm Uri Exposed Gas Failures

  • Winter Storm Uri exposed winterization failures across gas, coal, wind, and nuclear power generation.
  • The biggest issue was gas supply freezing, not renewables' performance as often claimed.
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