Wind & solar power could replace coal in Texas, finds new study

A new study from Rice University on the growing role of wind and solar electricity in powering Texas has been attracting widespread attention. John B. Billingsley, CEO for two of the state’s premier renewable power developers, says that the study underscores the critical importance of renewable energy both wind and solar in the state. The study points out that wind and solar electricity provided about 18% of Texas’ power in 2017, but that thoughtful planning to optimize natural patterns of renewable energy output could further help those resources “punch above their weight” as coal-fired power plants are retired.