Reliability has enhanced dramatically in the US grid with the majority of renewable energy in Texas, despite President Donald Trump’s assertions that solar and wind power are detrimental to the grid, according to Reuters.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state’s main grid operator, has reported significant improvements in grid reliability and lower electricity prices compared to the national average.
The Texas renewable energy grid has demonstrated resilience and cost-effectiveness, challenging Trump’s claims that the rapid adoption of solar and wind power leads to instability and high electricity costs.
According to regulatory filings and price data, the US state, which has the most renewable energy in its grid, has seen improved reliability and below-average electricity prices.
ERCOT forecasts a mere 0.30% chance of rolling blackouts during peak energy demand in August, a stark contrast to the 12% chance predicted for August 2024.
This improvement indicates a significant enhancement in grid stability. Residential and business electricity prices in Texas are approximately ten cents per kilowatt-hour, which is 24% below the national average.
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By GlobalDataJoshua Rhodes, a research scientist at the University of Texas in Austin, was quoted by Reuters as saying: “ERCOT has done a good job of defining the products needed for energy and reliability.
“It could be an example for other grids on how to create reliability at a low cost.”
The recent tax-and-spending bill passed by Congress, influenced by Trump’s stance, aims to end subsidies for renewable energy technologies.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright supported the subsidy cuts, claiming they would “deliver more reliable energy for the American people!”
Trump’s latest executive order further directs federal agencies to repeal or modify tax credits for solar and wind projects.
Despite criticisms of renewable energy’s intermittent nature, Texas has made strides in incorporating large-scale battery storage to mitigate this issue.
ERCOT has added nearly 5GW of battery storage since mid-2024, with a total capacity exceeding 8GW. An additional 174GW of storage is expected to be connected in the next five years.
Consumer advocates warn that Trump’s dismissal of renewables could worsen electricity price inflation, especially with rising power demand from data centres and electric vehicles.
A US Department of Energy (DOE) report anticipates significant blackouts in PJM’s territory in the coming five years unless substantial new generation is added.
ERCOT’s improvements in addressing grid vulnerabilities have been acknowledged in the DOE report, with spokesperson Ben Dietderich highlighting ERCOT’s progress.
However, Horizon Climate Initiative executive director Frank Rambo expressed concern that Trump’s policies could disrupt years of planning for renewable energy integration.
Trump’s April executive order aims to prevent the enforcement of state laws that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address climate change, targeting carbon emissions and environmental protection policies. This move is part of a broader initiative to increase domestic energy production.
