Coal-fired power plant south of S.A. switching to solar after receiving $1.4 billion federal grant

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A South Texas electric cooperative, San Miguel Electric Cooperative, is transitioning from a coal-fired power plant to a solar and battery facility with the help of a $1.4 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This move is part of a larger initiative to support clean energy and rural jobs, with the new facility set to have 600 megawatts of capacity to provide power to 47 counties across rural South Texas.

This transition to solar energy will significantly reduce pollution, specifically cutting more than 1.8 million tons of climate change pollution annually and stopping the accumulation of coal ash. The decision is praised for its positive impact on water quality and environmental health in the region, with local officials expressing optimism about the clean energy future and the importance of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring reliable power for rural communities.