Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas forecasts that power demand in Texas could almost double by 2030 due to new demand calculation methods and a surge in large power users.

Emily Foxhall and Kayla Guo report for The Texas Tribune.

In short:

ERCOT’s new prediction considers company requests for grid connections before finalization and an influx of large power users like data centers and hydrogen production facilities.
Texas’s population growth and increased electrification in the oil and gas sector are major factors driving the expected surge in power demand.
State officials are concerned about the potential strain on the grid and are considering more oversight and new infrastructure to meet the demand.

Key quote:

“All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how we’re looking at planning ... ”

— Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of ERCOT

Why this matters:

ERCOT’s forecast raises concerns about the state's ability to meet this demand without compromising environmental standards or public health. As Texas continues to attract businesses with its favorable economic conditions, the pressure mounts on the existing infrastructure, potentially leading to increased carbon emissions and higher pollution levels if fossil fuel usage is ramped up to meet the growing energy needs.

www.texastribune.org

Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts

Malawi government suspends coal miner’s license over river pollution

Australia’s coal mine emissions are increasing. Is this how a major policy to cut climate pollution is meant to work?

Low-producing oil wells in Texas cause headaches for landowners

Escape route from Iran energy shock leads to China, U.S. allies find

Interior unveils emergency plans for Colorado River

Fuel eating microbes, chemicals and fire: the race to discover new ways to contain Arctic oil spills

India's harvest festivals under climate strain

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.