Header image courtesy of TotalEnergies
Texas has been experiencing a recording breaking heatwave, and one of the most affected infrastructures is the electricity grid. However, renewable energy, particularly solar, has come to the rescue by helping the Lone Star State to maintain energy reliability, as The Guardian reports.
Texas has been groaning under the weight of a blanket of oppressive heat, with forecasters not seeing an end in sight. The soaring temperatures have made people seek respite indoors in the comfort of their air-conditioners. However, the artificially cooled air comes at a cost; energy demand is at record levels.
With a grid independent of the rest of the country to sidestep federal regulation, Texas can obtain little power from other states. This is a serious issue as several of the state’s old fossil-fueled power plants have failed during the spikes in demand.
However, Texas has avoided rolling blackouts in June, despite temperatures reaching three digits. According to energy analysts, this is thanks to solar power generated in the state. During the hot afternoons, solar has produced more than 15 percent of Texas’ energy supply.
The irony is not lost on most observers as the same sun responsible for the heat is producing the energy needed to cool spaces.
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