Solar and Wind Energy Could Replace Coal in Texas

Texas has been investing in solar and wind energy for years now. This could finally play out to be the right decision, because as a new study from Rice University from Houston, Texas, claims, 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. This means, that Texas, because of its size and climate, is uniquely positioned to replace coal power with electricity from a complementary mix of West Texas and Gulf Coast wind along with solar power from around the state.

John B. Billingsley is CEO for two of the state's premier renewable power developers: Tri Global Energy has been developing West Texas wind projects for 10 years and has become the number one developer of wind farms in the state. Sunfinity Renewable Energy was launched three years ago is developing residential, commercial and utility scale solar energy in several states across the U.S.

"The rise of clean energy appears to be everywhere across Texas," said Billingsley. "The state is speeding ahead to develop renewable energy and reaching new milestones all the time. But we've only begun to scratch the surface in terms of truly harnessing our clean, renewable resources. Texans will be the real winners, realizing both the environmental and economic benefits of renewables. The next several years will see amazing strides forward."