Texas is already the largest producer of wind power with 5,300 installed megawatts, but the state has just approved a $4.93 billion wind-power transmission project, providing a major development of wind energy to the state.
The transmission lines will carry electricity from remote parts of the state to major population like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The lines can handle 18,500 megawatts of power, enough for 3.7 million homes, (on a very hot day), when AC’s are running.
Texas is the largest manufacture of wind power, with 5,300 installed megawatts, (more than double the installed capacity of California), and it’s fast expanding its capability.
The project may put Texas ahead of Germany in “installed wind!
The details of the plans will be completed by Aug. 15, but the lines will not be fully constructed until 2013.
The lack of transmission has been a fundamental issue in Texas, and it’s becoming more and more of an issue elsewhere, but this project will be a boon for Texas power customers, whose electricity costs have risen in conjunction with soaring natural gas prices in the state.
“We think it’s going to lower costs, lower pollution and create jobs. We think that for every $3 invested, we’ll probably see about an $8 reduction in electric costs,” said Tom Smith, the state director.
Wind-Power now accounts for 1% of the nation’s electricity generation but could rise to 20 percent by 2030 if transmission lines are built and other challenges met across the US.
Other states may find Texas difficult to emulate because the state is unique in having its own electricity grid. All other states fall under the jurisdiction of the “Federal Energy Regulatory Commission” which adds a whole other layer of bureaucracy to transmission proposals.
This project will certainly face concerns from landowners reluctant to have wires cutting across their property, but we hope the future is brighter and “greener” as we continue to delve into eco-friendly forms of living in harmony with our beautiful planet.
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