Dive Summary:
- Texas is pouring $6.8 billion into the Cross Texas Transmission system, which will bring energy from wind farms in West Texas to cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
- Sustainable Business expects developers to bring in another $3.3 billion to construct wind farms with the capacity to deliver 1,644 megawatts in the next two years.
- Last year, Texas increased its installed wind capacity by 18% and is currently the state with the most wind capacity; despite the good news, wind energy advocates remain fearful of whether the Texas legislature will renew the Texas Economic Development Act, which has greatly aided wind production in the state and expires next year.
From the article:
"... Until now, utility Excel Energy has bought most of Texas' wind energy, but the new transmission lines will finally be able to carry power from wind plants in the western part of the state to all metropolitan areas, including Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
The Cross Texas Transmission system, expected to be finished by year end, already has grid connection contracts with Germany-based EC&R Development, UK-based RES America and Spinning Spur Two, among others. ..."