Texas' ERCOT Power Needs to Nearly Double Over Next Six Years

Sandy Segrist Hart Energy | Source: Hart Energy | Posted 05/23/2024

As coal plants retire in Texas, natural gas will carry more of the Lone Star State’s energy load, said Kristi Hobbs, ERCOT’s vice president for system planning and weatherization. Texas’ Permian Basin has led the U.S. in its oil-production boom. The state also plays a leading role at the other end of the line—a growing base of energy consumers. Over the next five to six years, the power demands on the Texas-only Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid are expected to grow from 85.5 gigawatts (GW) to potentially 150 GW, said Kristi Hobbs, the organization’s vice president for system planning and weatherization. Hobbs shared her perspective on May 17 at Hart Energy’s SUPER DUG Conference & Expo in Fort Worth.

AI generated summary

The Permian Basin in Texas has been a key player in the U.S. oil-production surge, but the state is also witnessing an increase in energy consumers. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) anticipates a significant rise in power demands from 85.5 gigawatts to potentially 150 gigawatts over the next few years due to population growth and the expected boom in AI data centers.

While solar power generation is rapidly growing in Texas, natural gas remains the primary source of power at 44.3%, with wind, solar, and coal contributing as well. The addition of AI data centers to the grid is expected to boost demand, prompting the grid operator to plan for future transmission needs. As Texas navigates the challenges of incorporating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the state is also looking towards natural gas power generation to meet its evolving energy needs.

Link to Original Article

Please find the link to the full article below. (Please note that content provider might require a paid subscription)

Source Link: https://www.hartenergy.com/exclusives/texas-ercot-power-needs-nearly-double-over-next-six-years-209224

Create a free trial account: Sign Up

Grid monitor is free to try. No credit card required

Texas' ERCOT Power Needs to Nearly Double Over Next Six Years

AI generated summary

Link to Original Article

Create a free trial account: Sign Up

Already have an account? Login