Tom Kenning looks at the rise of solar power in Texas, a US state better known for its role in the oil and gas industry, where a beneficial tax regime and an abundance of project land work in favour of building out solar power generation.
A subsidiary of US utility American Electric Power (AEP) has issued a request for proposals for off-take from new and existing solar and wind facilities in the PJM Interconnection area and new solar facilities located in the ERCOT area.
PV plant developer National Grid Renewables has commenced operations at its Noble solar-plus-storage project in Denton County, Texas. The Noble project consists of a 275MW solar PV farm and 125MWh energy storage system.
Renewable bitcoin mining operator Aspen Creek Digital Corporation (ACDC) has commenced operations at a Texas data centre co-located with a behind-the-meter solar project.
Hit by soaring electricity prices and widespread power outages during a severe cold weather event earlier this year, Texas homeowners have been ramping up rooftop solar and battery storage installs to protect against future blackouts and increase their energy independence.
Diode Ventures has announced financial close of its Grizzly Ridge Solar Project, a utility-scale solar project with 138MWdc capacity which will serve the ERCOT North Zone in Texas.
The fallout from February’s winter storm in Texas could see new legislation enacted that would shift the cost of ancillary services onto renewable energy projects, potentially derailing solar deployment in a state that is currently on track to surpass California and become the US’ leading PV market. Jules Scully speaks to the market to determine the risk posed to solar as a result.
