Solar, wind energy keeping Texas power grids running amid weeks-long heat wave
Green energy is helping to keep the Texas power grids afloat amid a weeks-long heat wave that left power usage at an all-time high. Green energy is helping to keep the Texas power grids alive amid a weeks-long heat wave that has left power usage at an all-time high. The perfect meteorological conditions have allowed renewable energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels to supply the grids with enough power to meet demand, experts told ABC News. MORE: At least 13 dead in Texas as scorching temps continue While natural gas is still the primary power source for the state's grid, wind and solar energy are heavily contributing to the supply, data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas shows. On Thursday afternoon, solar produced 10,757 megawatts, while wind produced 7,433 megawatts, representing about 26% of the grid's power. At the same time, natural gas produced 33,514 megawatts – nearly 50% of the grid’s power – while coal and lignite produced 11,357 megawatts – ...