4 surprising facts about wind energy in Texas

Texas is often thought of as the land of oil and gas, but in recent years the state has emerged as the undisputed leader in wind energy. Here are a few surprising facts about wind power in Texas.

1. Texas has the highest wind generation in the country

With nearly 9,400 turbines scattered throughout the state, Texas produces nearly 36 million megawatt (MWh) hours of electricity – that's equivalent to almost as much as the state's nuclear fleet (at 39 million MWh). Today, wind energy accounts for 10% of local power generation in Texas, and the potential for wind energy in Texas is even higher. According to the American Wind Energy Association, wind could power over 18 times the state's current energy needs, and that is with current technology.

2. Wind power saves Texas 13.1 billion gallons of water every year

Generating wind power uses virtually no water. In Texas, this translates into annual water consumption savings of 13.1 billion gallons, which is equivalent to saving the water consumed in 99.3 billion water bottles.

3.In Texas, wind power prevents the release of 25.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions

Many people know wind power is clean, but how clean is it? In Texas alone, wind power has prevented the release of 25.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

4. Texas is home to over 17,000 wind-related jobs

One last aspect that many people are not aware of is the impact that wind generation has on Texas jobs. The wind energy industry in Texas has thrived thanks to smart state policy, such as legislation that created Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) and has provided over $26 billion in capital investment. The state is home to at least 46 manufacturing facilities, including turbine manufacturer Alstom, tower manufacturer Trinity Structural Towers and numerous component suppliers, supporting over 17,000 wind-related jobs.

source: www.chron.com