Sustainable Energy Sources and Electricity in Texas
Texas' commitment to clean energy deserves praise. Texas emerges as a real world example demonstrating that renewable energy is possible. For the past two years, the Lone Star State has been the top wind producer in the nation, with over 3,953 wind-generated megawatts (MW) installed. Texas is also the first state to achieve the milestone of one gigawatt of wind installations in a single year (2007).
The demand for additional wind power has increased so rapidly that the Texas electric transmission grid has a critical need for expansion. Up to 2 percent of Texas' demand for electricity was met from renewable energy sources in 2007, and the Lone Star State has a target of getting 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, a goal readily achievable with today's available technology. Continuing to convert 15 percent of the state's energy portfolio to renewable energy sources each decade could yield an energy profile of at least 65 percent renewable by 2050. The main advantage to renewable energy is that many of the technologies already exist. Thanks to the Texas landmark legislation that includes a Renewable Portfolio Standard which has prompted the renewable energy industry to rapidly accelerate its renewable energy production on Texas sites.
The leading state in wind power production, Texas has the second most potential for future wind production in the nation with 136,100 MW of potential capacity according to the American Wind Energy Association. Twenty-three wind farms were completed and put online from 2007 to 2008. Another 16 are under construction, with many more in the planning stages. In addition to producing renewable energy, all of these new facilities create jobs for the state. In fact, Texas could even realize as many as 8,943 jobs manufacturing wind turbines and a $2.98 billion investment in the wind industry alone if 50,000 MW of new wind energy is created on a national level.
In July 2007, the Texas Public Utility Commission announced its approval for additional transmission lines that could deliver as much as 25,000 megawatts of wind energy from remote areas in the state to urban centers by 2012, depending on how many wind farms are built. New transmission infrastructure will allow all Texans to access the state's vast wind resources.
GoGreen© by Dynowatt� is generated 100% by US wind power. Renewable sources of power are 100% free of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides-the causes of smog, acid rain, greenhouse gases and contributors to asthma, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses. Also, renewable energy comes from nature and it can be replenished over and over again. Unlike oil, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass will never run out. By choosing GoGreen� by Dynowatt� electric customers in Texas are not only supporting renewable energy but also protecting the state economy. Today electricity customers in Texas face various electricity supply options. In a deregulated market, customers have the power to choose their retail electric provider. In a regulated market, customers are being offered different plans that suit best their needs. Many electricity customers in Texas now have the option of purchasing a green power product directly from their electricity supplier or by switching to a supplier with a green power product. If such an option is not available, customers can support renewable energy development through the purchase of renewable energy certificates.