Will Texas Cripple Solar Power?
Energy-hungry Texas may cut back on solar power projects. The New York Times reports, “One bill before Texas’s legislature would require renewables projects to obtain additional permits and contribute to a new cleanup fund, among other measures.” The new administration is already building higher walls for the growth of renewable energy, particularly in the wind sector.
*Why Solar Power Is Critical
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According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, even the current electricity supply in Texas may be inadequate. Related problems caused the blackout of 2021
AI Server Hubs
The newspaper also reports that demand could be above supply next year. Texas is a popular place for AI server locations. According to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, AI hubs are concentrated in California, Washington DC, greater New York, Boston, and Texas. Areas that want more of this business will need massive electricity supplies to come online extremely soon.
Electricity use in the US has been flat for a decade. That has changed with AI. Utilities, tech firms led by Microsoft and Meta, and private equity firms seek energy-rich locations that can be online in months. The competition for these locations will explode.
What Replaces Solar?
Over time, electricity generation was supposed to be powered by solar and wind, so coal and other fossil fuels could be discontinued. This is a key to meeting the US goals for greenhouse gas emissions. Texas apparently won’t be part of this solution.
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