The State of Texas increased its renewable energy generation by 30% in 2010 to 28 million megawatt-hours (MWh) with a rated capacity of 10,515 megawatts (MW), according to annual report filed May 13 with the Texas Pubic Utilities Commission by Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). ERCOT is the grid operator for 85% of the state’s power and is the agency responsible for monitoring renewable energy for the entire state.
This 2010 performance is well ahead of the state’s legislated renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The Texas RPS became effective in 2005 and called for rated capacity of 5,880 MW by 2015 and 10,000 MW by 2025.
However, the Texas RSP is one of the lowest in the U.S.: 10,000 MW is less than 10% of the state’s overall electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA).
ERCOT reported that 97.6%, or 10,265 MW, of the total 10,515 MW of renewable power came from wind. Other renewable power produced included biomass, 108 MW; landfill gas, 88 MW, hydro, 33 MW; and solar 21 MW. The Texas RPS includes a specific requirement for solar power amounting to 500 MW by 2025.
According to the EIA, Texas produces and consumes more electricity than any other state, and per capita residential use is significantly higher than the national average. Texas also leads the U.S. in wind-powered generation capacity, as well as natural gas and crude oil production.
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