Texas' Demand Growth Exceeds China’s

AI generated summary

In the first half of 2025, Texas has experienced a remarkable surge in energy consumption, with growth rates 70% higher than those in China. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported a 6.5% increase in energy use through July 31, primarily driven by solar and wind energy, which accounted for nearly all of the new demand. Solar energy alone saw a 47% increase, contributing an additional 12 terawatt-hours compared to the previous year, while wind energy rose by 5%, adding 3 terawatt-hours.

The large load queue in Texas has also expanded significantly, nearing 200 gigawatts, with a notable increase of 52,000 megawatts in just three months. Currently, over 7,000 megawatts of large loads are connected, marking a 30% rise from the previous year. Additionally, battery storage usage has tripled, consuming over 3 terawatt-hours so far in 2025, which represents 15% of the total load growth. This surge in energy consumption and renewable energy development positions Texas as a leader in energy growth, potentially impacting the broader energy landscape and the race for advancements in artificial intelligence.