Texas

Hydropower and Geothermal Energy in Texas

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Here at Texas Green Rangers, we have blogged about solar and wind energy quite a bit. While these two kinds of renewable energy are prominent in the Lone Star State, we feel it is important for y’all to know that our state also has the ability to generate even more clean energy from other sources.

Hydropower

While hydropower is the most common source of renewable electricity in the United States, it only accounts for 1% of Texas’ electric power today. Hydropower reached its peak in Texas in the 1930’s when it was one of the most important forms of generated energy that brought lots of jobs and electricity to the state.

Hydroelectric power is generated from the force of falling or moving water, most often from dammed water in lakes and reservoirs falling through turbines that connect to a generator.

Another way to generate hydroelectric power comes from “pumped storage” where water moves from a lower-elevation reserve to a higher-elevation reserve where the water is released during peak power demand times. The water financial gain of this process is higher than the cost of pumping water at non-peak times but the electricity generated from the process is less than what is consumed moving the water. As of 2006, Texas had 23 dams producing hydroelectric power. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) currently operates six dams, all of which are used for hydroelectric power in times of peak demand. During operation, the six dams can generate up to 292 megawatts (MW) of energy, or 2 percent of LCRA’s annual need.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a form of energy gained from internal heat in rocks deep in the earth. This is an especially important form of energy because it is essentially always available and can never be used up completely. In the United States, it is the third largest source of renewable energy.

There are two main ways to generate geothermal energy. One way is to drill wells to produce electricity from heated water or by using the surface heat from the earth to heat and cool buildings. The second option is typically done with the help of geothermal heat pumps. More than 10,000 residential geothermal heat pumps have been installed. These pumps are one of the simplest non-electric ways to use the energy, 70% used by the pump is renewable and the remaining 30% is electric energy used to transport the geothermal energy. In addition, over 160 schools in Texas have installed geothermal H-VAC systems as an alternative to conventional H-VACs. SECO estimates that using the earth’s temperature to cool and heat buildings could potentially reduce energy spending by up to 50%. Geopressured-geothermal energy, hot steam, hot dry rock, and magma have potential to be renewable energy sources for Texas. There are at least five major regions in Texas with significant potential for geothermal energy, though water availability, extraction and disposal are likely limitations to fully taking advantage of this energy source.

Obviously, Texas has great potential to become a beacon for renewable resources in the United States. We should continue to push to expand these green energy sources so we can move towards a greener future for our great state.

Edited by: Maddie

Fracking vs. wind turbine: The continuous battle

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What is fracking?

 

Fracking was pioneered in Texas in the 1990’s this process allows millions of gallons of water which is loaded with sand and chemicals thousands of feet into the earth at an intensely high pressure. This high pressure allows layers of the earth to break apart to shale pockets of oil and natural gasses to be release and be brought to the surface. No state has more hydraulic fracking than Texas, and the impact on public health, environment, and property values can be costly. Many fracking companies are using harsh chemicals, but refuse to acknowledge there harm. Fracking is done near residential areas in some cases near San Antonio and Dallas. This is a major concern because many companies do horizontal fracking which can be done beneath houses. Reports show that the areas that fracking takes place have bad air quality and have had reports of contaminated water.

 

https://www.cleanwateraction.org/features/introduction-fracking-texas

The process of building a wind turbine in Texas

 

The Texas Legislature have put tough tariffs on wind turbine material, but that hasn’t stopped the boom in wind energy in Texas. Once the turbine is up it is a continuous way of getting clean energy. One of the only negative draw to wind turbines are the chance of birds migrating getting capitated by the blade.  Wind energy also provided 14.8 percent of all in-state electricity production, this is roughly the equivalent of 6.2 million homes were powered by wind in 2017, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

 

“Wind power has become an invaluable tool in the rural economic development space in Texas,” said Scott Dunaway, of Powering Texas, a wind energy advocate coalition that started in December.

 

 

Find out more about the potential of wind energy in Texas:

https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/energy-effects/2019/01/17/texas-wind-turbine-energy-power-electric/2197094002/

 

Texas and energy  

Texas has been known for its petroleum and crude oil that it produces for the nation. Texas is such a big state that it’s easy to spread out and drill oil, but when oil companies start fracking near homes where families are living this creates a major problem. Wind energy powered 1/6 of Texas last year most of the wind turbines collecting the energy is out west or near the coast. Wind energy is a great alternative for all Texans because of all the major benefits of having clean air.

 

How you can help!   

We need stronger regulations to the hydraulic fracturing industry in Texas, but more importantly we need more wind turbines for clean energy. You can help by writing to your Texas representative and senator and demand that tariffs be lifted or lessened for turbine material.

 

A Texans Guide to Residential Solar Panels

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Thinking about installing solar panels in your home? Not sure where to start? Well you’re not alone. Several Texas residents have looked into installing solar panels to power their homes but have been overwhelmed with options and information. Over the past few years, Texans who live in residential areas have probably been approached at least once by door to door salespeople asking if they were interested in installing solar panels. This can be a turn off for a lot of people, but solar panels have proven to be a cheaper and greener alternative. Here is a list of things you should know if you’re looking to power your home with solar energy.

First Steps

Before starting the the process of getting solar panels for your home, you should first think about ways to make your home more energy efficient. Taking these extra steps can save you more money quickly. For more advice on how to make your home more energy efficient, take a look at the Smarter House website of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. If you want a professional opinion you can also reach out to a professional energy audit.

Installing solar panels in your home could even grant you incentives from the government. For more information on government policies and incentives related to solar energy, visit the DSIRE website. This organization remains up to date with federal, state, and local policies.

How Solar Panels Work

So how do solar panels save you money? In order to understand how this energy alternative, you have to look at how solar panels operate. Solar modules convert sunlight into electricity measured in kilowatt-hours. Either you use all of the solar electricity or it goes into the electric grid. The amount of electricity generated throughout the day, or your system’s “yield”, will depend on specifications such as the array’s tilt, orientation (north, east, south, west), shade, DC-AC conversion ratio, and a few other factors. The TXSES and Department of Energy websites offer additional basic solar details.

It’s important to understand that your utility affects your electric bill and there are policies that are specific to the state of Texas. Some utilities will only charge you for your “net” energy use, so basically you pay the remainder of the energy that use in your home. Other utilities might compensate you for unused electricity that is sent into the grid at a lower rate.

Incentives

Austin Energy has adopted a system called a “value of solar” rate where all your solar energy is credited to your bill at a pre-set rate which would offset your electric consumption charges. Make sure to check with your electric utility to learn how their solar rate works. DSIRE is also a great source to check out about more solar policies.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows eligible homeowners who purchase solar energy systems to claim an income tax credit that is up to 30 percent of the installment cost. This credit is currently available until the end of 2021, for more incentives check out The Department of Energy and DSIRE websites as well as your electric utility and city government websites.

 

Edited: AJ

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Republican Mayor, Dale Ross, Turns the City of Georgetown, Texas 100% Renewable

The perfect model for turning your cities energy from non-renewable to renewable

Why the Change?

     Georgetown has set itself apart from other renewable energy based cities with its emphasis on economics instead of the environment.  Mayor Dale Ross said, “we’re doing this because it’s good for our citizens. Cheaper electricity is better. Clean energy is better than fossil fuels.” Ross wanted to make sure he wasn’t being mixed in with the liberal agenda being a Republican from Texas.

     While Ross was reviewing energy contracts and researching  suppliers, he noticed that solar and wind energy offered a 20 – 25 years contract, whereas natural gas contracts were only a 5 – 7 years contract. He saw an economic opportunity for the future and didn’t hesitate on his decision to move to renewable energy. Since the change, the people of Georgetown’s kilowatt per hour continue to drop.

 

Pecos County Solar Farm

Making it Happen

     The Planning began in 2014 when NRG Energy Inc. and EDF Renewable Energy combined efforts to make Georgetown, Texas 100 percent renewable. It took just two years to make Ross’s decision a reality. If this isn’t a model renewable energy city, I don’t know what is. With the help of Pecos County, NRG Energy, Wells Fargo, and Swinerton Renewable Energy, Georgetown is now the biggest solar and wind energy provider in the country. Buckthorn solar plant is responsible for the majority of the energy with its 1.7 million solar panels across Pecos County, But that’s not it. They are backed by Spinning Spur 3, South Mesa and South Trent Wind farms to complete the 100 percent renewable energy source.

 

Paving the Way for a Renewable Future

     Georgetown has been a flawless example of what can happen when you back your plans with intent. It was no easy task for Mayor Ross, but he pushed policy and got everyone on board. There are more renewable sources besides solar and wind, such as biopower, geothermal, and hydropower. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory believes the US will be powered by 80 percent Renewable sources by 2050. The majority will be solar and wind power, but they use every pathway possible to reach 80 percent. The benefits are far too noticeable to ignore. Renewable energy helps our climate, economy, and health. While also creating long term jobs around the country.

    The future is now. The positive impact that sustainable energy has on the environment and economy are endless. So, Help us pave the way to a greener future.

You can find us on Twitter @TexasGreenRangers1 where you can plan on seeing weekly updates and helpful resources on how you can help our state become greener. Another source to look to if you have any questions is our Facebook group. It will be live in a few weeks so stay on the lookout for it, we hope it will be a place where you can connect with others in the Green Rangers community

 

Edited by AJ Valverde