April 21, 2024

A Matter of Supply vs. Demand

by Patrice "Pete" Parsons, TXSES Executive Director

You’ve probably seen the headlines this week from ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas)—and if you haven’t, be sure to see more further below—including:

• ERCOT warns of possible power emergency amid rising temperatures in Texas;
• Texas’ electric grid is feeling the strain, and it’s not even all that hot yet; and
• ERCOT Regional Planning Group’s announcement this month that ERCOT Demand May Double by 2030 (link to presentation slides).

It all comes down to a very simple concept — Supply and Demand.

When considering the problems ERCOT has in trying to meet the growing demand for energy, it is time they took into consideration all possibilities. This includes not only demand, but all the options for supply.

Investors are developing solar power and storage at an unprecedented rate and the costs have dropped to the point that the technology is cheaper than coal, as well as natural gas (see “Texas solar surpasses coal production for first time”). But intense demand could overwhelm all that new supply, and then some.

Demand hit 85 gigawatts last summer and ERCOT recently estimated that Texans would need 92 gigawatts of electricity to weather another Winter Storm Uri.

With an expected flood of demand from large loads, including data centers, electric vehicle fleets and much, much more coming online in Texas, demand will rise even higher and faster.

Without higher demand flexibility, the grid simply will not be able to keep up and Texans will face higher electricity bills and more blackouts.

Read more on our website.

TXSES UPDATES

Industry Spotlight

Axis Solar

by Steven Ùgalde, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Each month we highlight one of our esteemed Business Members with an interview in our newsletter. This month, we feature Platinum Business Member, Axis Solar. TXSES Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Steven Ùgalde reached out to Axis Solar Marketing Director Michael Wade for a chat about their business, vision, accomplishments and more. Read more.

Have you heard? TXSES and the Texas Solar Power Association (TSPA) are the Texas event partners for the inaugural Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (ISESNA) regional conference, to be held in Austin on November 19-20, at the Downtown Marriott.

“We’re honored to be a host partner for the inaugural Intersolar Energy Storage national conference,” said TXSES Executive Director Pete Parsons. “It couldn’t be more timely, on the heels of the national presidential election and just before the 89th Regular Legislative Session in January 2025, where energy issues again are expected to be front and center.”

Deadline for Abstracts: May 3, 2024

Industry professionals are invited to submit an abstract before submissions close on May 3, 2024. Each abstract will be reviewed by IESNA’s advisory board. Selected speakers will be notified in June and will receive a complimentary registration pass to the Texas event (among other benefits). Attendee registration for the Texas event will open in May.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) is the premier US-based conference and trade show focused on solar, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. Dedicated to accelerating the energy transition, IESNA events deliver insightful education, invaluable networking, and an immersive exhibit hall experience.

Texas’ electric grid is feeling the strain, and it’s not even all that hot yet

Marketplace 4/16/24

With rapid solar additions, the ‘duck curve’ begins to emerge in Texas

Power Engineering 4/15/24

Texas to lead nation in clean energy generation with latest battery storage project: 'Key to reinforcing the power grid and ensuring energy availability' TCD 4/11/24

Texas kicks on with solar, storage as developers eye profits

Reuters 4/11/24

Solar is beginning to sunset natural gas use in Texas

PV Magazine 4/9/24

Texas marks milestone on the road to a greener grid as solar tops coal in March

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) 4/5/24

Texas appeals court says winter storm lawsuits against transmission and distribution utilities can move forward

The Hill 4/3/24

Texas Lawmaker Seeks to Improve Texas’ Power Capacity by Joining Regional Grid and Agreeing to Federal Oversight

Inside Climate News 3/22/24

Texas attracts big percentage of government clean energy investment, says 2023 report

Innovation Map 3/18/24

Solar Permits Issued Through March 2024

Ohm Analytics is a TXSES Platinum Business Member

Ohm Analytics’ solar market intelligence platform is a powerful tool for the industry that is used by leading installers, OEMs, distributors and financial firms. In Texas, Ohm aggregates data from dozens of sources and, as a TXSES member, you can access the platform and abridged research for free by signing up here. The chart below includes the most recent data for Texas permit trends through December 2024.

Ohm offers free base access, as well as paid premium access with expanded geographic, competitor-level detail and reporting coverage. This premium access can also be obtained at no cost with participation in Ohm's data partner program. You can learn more about the initiative here.

For nearly 50 years, TXSES has been the pre-eminent statewide organization that creates and disseminates quality, fact-based solar information for every Texas community. TXSES reaches and teaches thousands of Texans annually through multi-faceted education and outreach strategies that include traditional and social media, events and one-on-one engagement with decision-makers.

Public and private funds are needed to continue doing what we've done for more than four decades, delivering the kinds of resources and successes you've come to expect from us. Truth is, you make what we do possible. Won't you join us in our mission to make clean energy more inclusive, accessible and affordable by making a tax-deductible contribution to TXSES. Thank you.

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About TXSES: A membership-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization for nearly 50 years, TXSES’s unique niche is exemplified in our well-established local chapters in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio. Having boots on the ground in these major metropolitan cities, which represent nearly a quarter of Texas’s 30 million+ citizens, provides fact-based, relevant solar information to all Texans. www.txses.org