Wind power surpasses coal for first time ever in Texas

The winds of change are sweeping through Texas, with wind power surpassing coal for the first time in history as a primary energy source. Wind generated 22 percent of the Lone Star State’s energy needs, according to a report released last week by the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the flow of electricity to more than 25 million people, accounting for 90 percent of the state’s energy needs. Wind edged out coal, which provided 21 percent of the state’s power, according to the company. In 2003, wind made up just 0.8 percent of total energy needs in Texas, and coal was responsible for 40 percent, ERCOT documents show. Despite the dramatic rise of wind power, natural gas remains the state’s primary fuel, generating 44 percent of its power last year. Although wind power accounts for just under seven percent of the country’s energy production, it is expected to be among the fastest rising source of electricity — along with solar power — in the next two years, according to the Energy Information Administration.