8 minute read • Graham Lumley • Last update February 2024
There are over 16,000 wind turbines in Texas capable of producing over 39,000 Megawatts of electricity. However, maximum generation capacity does not often reflect reality because wind is not always blowing everywhere there are turbines. For example, on an average summer day Texas wind turbines may generate anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 MW.
Did you know that Texas is a national leader in wind energy? With its vast land, favorable wind conditions, and innovative policies, the Lone Star State is setting an example for the rest of the country in harnessing the power of wind. Texas has more wind turbines than any other state in the country. Iowa comes in second place with just over 6,000 turbines as of 2021.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its wind power capacity. Currently, over 39,000 MW of wind capacity is installed in the state, making Texas the leading contributor to the growth of wind energy in the US.
What factors propelled Texas to become a wind energy powerhouse? It’s a combination of factors, including:
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has been a pivotal element in Texas’ wind energy triumph. This mandate compels utility companies to produce new renewable energy proportional to their market share. Initially, the RPS aimed to generate 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2025. Thanks to the state’s commitment to renewables, this ambitious target was reached much earlier than anticipated.
Renewable energy sources that meet the criteria for Texas’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) comprise:
This diverse portfolio of renewable sources, supported by the American Clean Power Association, has helped Texas not only meet its RPS targets but also position itself as a national leader in wind power capacity.
To bolster the expansion of wind power, the Texas state legislature instigated the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) in 2005, in collaboration with the Electric Reliability Council. The purpose of the CREZ was to promote utility-scale wind development and ensure adequate transmission infrastructure for renewable energy generation. As a result, more than 18 gigawatts of wind energy capacity were added to the Texas power grid.
The CREZ initiative encompasses the development of power lines to enable the delivery of electricity, produced from wind sources, to consumers. This forward-thinking initiative has been crucial in enabling Texas to become a wind energy powerhouse, showcasing the state’s commitment to renewable energy and its dedication to creating a sustainable future.
With a contribution of approximately 26 percent to the total US wind energy output in 2021, Texas holds the leading position in wind-powered electricity generation. According to the American Wind Energy Association, with a current wind power capacity of over 39,000 MW, Texas is a clear leader in the renewable energy market.
Numerous prominent companies in the Texas wind energy industry include:
These key players are responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of wind power projects in Texas, significantly contributing to the state’s renewable energy success story.
Their influence extends beyond their direct involvement in the wind energy sector. By stimulating development and invention within the Texas wind energy industry, these major players are helping to create new technologies, improve efficiency, and ultimately drive down the cost of wind power generation for the benefit of all Texans.
Home to some of the country’s largest and most productive wind farms, including the Roscoe Wind Farm, Los Vientos Wind Farm, and Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, Texas stands as a formidable player in the sector. These massive wind farms not only showcase Texas’ commitment to renewable energy but also serve as models for other states looking to invest in wind power.
With Texas leading the charge, the United States has seen a significant increase in wind energy production in recent years, according to the Energy Information Administration. As more states follow Texas’ example and invest in wind power, the nation will continue to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
Texas is not only a leader in wind energy but also actively pursuing the integration of wind and solar energy. By combining these two renewable resources, the state aims to create a more stable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy grid.
To accomplish this, Texas is concentrating on creating storage solutions for renewable energy and tackling transmission capacity hurdles. This ensures efficient transportation and utilization of power generated from wind and solar sources.
Finding effective storage solutions is a significant challenge in fully realizing the potential of renewable energy. In Texas, the energy storage system in Notrees serves to store excess wind energy, making the output more predictable and less variable.
Various storage solutions exist for renewable energy, including:
These storage solutions are crucial for ensuring that the energy generated from renewable sources is available when needed, reducing the need for additional power plants, and providing a dependable source of energy during peak demand periods.
While Texas has made significant strides in renewable energy, transmission capacity challenges remain a major obstacle to fully harnessing the power of wind and solar energy. The absence of transmission lines to transport the electricity generated by wind and solar sources to customers is a significant challenge, as building transmission lines to generate electricity can take up to 10 years and necessitate significant capital expenditure.
To address this issue, the state is taking the following steps:
By overcoming these challenges, Texas will be able to continue its leadership in the renewable energy sector and secure a more sustainable energy future for its residents.
Wind energy bestows substantial economic and environmental advantages upon Texas and its local communities. By investing in wind power, the state diversifies its energy sources, reduces its dependence on fossil fuels, and contributes to a cleaner environment.
Additionally, the growth of wind energy in Texas has created jobs, boosted local economies, and provided new sources of revenue for farmers and ranchers.
The expansion of wind energy has brought about direct benefits for local communities in Texas. The development of wind energy projects has created numerous job opportunities in the wind energy sector as well as in associated industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.
Furthermore, wind energy projects contribute to local economies through increased tax revenues for local governments and economic benefits for local businesses and communities. This positive impact on local communities showcases the far-reaching benefits of investing in renewable energy and demonstrates Texas’ commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
With new developments such as offshore wind potential exploration and continuous advancements in wind energy technology, the future of wind energy in Texas appears promising. By capitalizing on these opportunities, Texas will further solidify its leadership in wind energy and continue to pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.
Texas holds considerable promise for offshore wind energy development. The state boasts the most robust quality of offshore wind resources in the Gulf of Mexico, characterized by high average wind speeds. The Gulf of Mexico’s first offshore wind farms are planned to be established off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, with the capacity to generate 3.7 gigawatts of electricity.
In addition to its already impressive onshore wind power capacity, Texas is projected to add offshore wind capacity in the coming years. This expansion will further strengthen Texas’ position as a leader in renewable energy and showcase the state’s commitment to a sustainable, clean energy future.
Technological advancements significantly propel the development of wind energy in Texas. One such advancement is the Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWiFT) facility, the first public facility to utilize multiple wind turbines to assess turbine performance in a wind farm setting. The aim of SWiFT is to:
Other innovations in wind energy technology include the development of advanced turbines, improved forecasting methods, and the Tres Amigas HVDC link. As Texas continues to invest in research and development, these cutting-edge technologies will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of the state’s wind energy industry.
Texas has emerged as a national leader in wind energy, driven by its favorable conditions, innovative policies, and commitment to a sustainable future. The state’s focus on integrating wind and solar energy, addressing transmission capacity challenges, and investing in advanced technology has solidified its position as a renewable energy powerhouse. As Texas continues to harness the power of wind, it sets an example for the rest of the country and the world, proving that a clean, sustainable, and prosperous future is within our reach.
Texas is an excellent place to produce wind energy, as it produces the most wind power of any U.S. state with more than 15,000 turbines providing about 24% of the state’s energy grid. The state has seen a dramatic increase in wind energy production over the past decade, with the number of turbines increasing by more than 500% since 2009. This has helped Texas become a leader in renewable energy production, with wind energy now providing more than a quarter of the state’s electricity. The
Texas ranks 11th in the percentage of total electricity generation that is generated by wind, with Iowa leading the way at more than 50 percent. Wind energy is becoming an increasingly important source of electricity in the United States, and Texas is making strides in this area. Iowa is leading the way, with more than 50 percent of its electricity generated by wind.
The High Plains region of Texas, encompassing the Texas Panhandle and West Texas, is home to the most wind turbines in the state with over 11,000 operating in the area. The region contributes significantly to generating energy for Texans, providing up to 20% of their electricity in 2019.
Texas’ favorable wind resources, ample land area, cost-effectiveness in developing and operating wind farms, state-mandated renewable energy targets, and an adequate transmission grid have all contributed to the growth of wind energy in the state. The state has seen a dramatic increase in wind energy production over the past decade, with wind energy now accounting for more than 10 percent of the state’s total electricity generation. This is due in part to the state’s commitment to renewable energy, which has resulted in the development of numerous wind farms across the state. The
Texas’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) drives the development of wind energy by mandating that utility companies generate new renewable energy based on their market share. This policy has been successful in increasing the amount of wind energy produced in the state, with Texas now leading the nation in wind energy production. The RPS has also had a positive impact on the economy, creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars
