Renewable energy expansion in Texas is expected to keep pace with the global rise in clean energy capacity.
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts rapid growth of worldwide renewable energy over the next five years.
According to the IEA report, titled “Renewables 2021, Analysis and Forecast to 2026,” renewable capacity will constitute nearly 95 percent of the increase in global energy capacity between 2021 and 2026, with solar power leading this growth. At least 60 percent of these capacity additions are anticipated to be solar photovoltaic infrastructure.Texas, which ranked second in the nation for increased net solar generation between 2011 and 2020, is preparing for more growth in the next five years.
The state has 7,120 megawatts (MW) of solar power installed, 28,215 MW of wind power, and 833 MW of battery storage capacity, with both battery storage and solar power expected to more than double in capacity by the end of 2022, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).