USDA Funds Renewable Energy Project In Rural Texas

Steve Hanley | Source: CleanTechnica | Posted 01/02/2025

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A portion of Texas is so rural that the local utility company, San Miguel Electric Cooperative, has only 340,000 customers in 47 counties located between San Antonio, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. Today, much of the electricity for those customers comes from a coal-fired thermal generating station that burns lignite — some of the dirtiest coal there is — but none from renewable energy.

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A rural portion of Texas serviced by the San Miguel Electric Cooperative relies on a coal-fired thermal generating station using lignite, a dirty form of coal, for electricity. This coal plant is a significant source of mercury pollution in the area and has faced community opposition due to its environmental impact. The cooperative has now been awarded over $1.4 billion by the US Department of Agriculture to transition from coal to renewable energy, replacing the thermal station with a 400 MW solar installation and a 200 MW battery storage facility.

Additionally, the cooperative is partnering with Sage Energy to establish a geothermal energy storage facility for dispatchable electricity. This initiative aligns with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in rural communities. The transition to renewable energy sources will not only enhance sustainability but also contribute to long-term energy security and affordability for the customers served by the San Miguel Electric Cooperative in rural Texas.

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Source Link: https://cleantechnica.com/2025/01/01/usda-funds-renewable-energy-project-in-rural-texas/

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USDA Funds Renewable Energy Project In Rural Texas

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