Milestone – Solar Surpasses Coal Generation in Texas for the First Time
In a historic milestone, solar energy surpassed coal in Texas’s power generation for the first time ever in March. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), solar power contributed 3.26 million megawatt-hours (MWh) to the grid, exceeding coal’s output of 2.96 million MWh.
This achievement marks a significant shift in the state’s energy landscape, as coal’s market share fell below 10% for the first time, dropping to just over 9%. The decline in coal’s dominance began a decade ago but accelerated in recent years, particularly since 2016-17 when solar energy began to gain traction in ERCOT’s generation data.
The rise of solar energy in Texas has been remarkable, with the state ranking as the top in solar capacity. Solar generation in March 2024 saw a 56% increase compared to the previous year, reaching 1.17 million MWh more. Currently, ERCOT has 22,710 megawatts (MW) of operational solar capacity, with plans to expand by nearly one-third by the end of 2024, adding another 7,168 MW of capacity.
Looking ahead, Texas is poised for even more solar growth, with projects totaling 20,932 MW of capacity in advanced stages of development for 2025. Additionally, thousands of megawatts of solar capacity are in earlier stages of development, indicating further expansion in the coming years.
Meanwhile, coal’s share of the ERCOT market has been on a steady decline. From comprising 33-40% of ERCOT demand between 2003 and 2014, coal’s share dropped to under 20% by 2020 and fell to just 13.9% in 2023. This downward trend reflects a broader shift away from coal as a primary source of energy in Texas.
The decline of coal in Texas is significant given the state’s historical reliance on coal for power generation, making it the top consumer of coal in the US. However, recent data from the EIA indicates that coal’s share of national electric generation was less than 15% every day in March, reaching a daily record low of just 11.25% on March 29.
This decline in coal’s market share is notable, particularly as it traditionally hits its lowest points in April and May. With the potential for coal’s market share to fall into the single digits in the coming months, the energy landscape in Texas and the broader US is undergoing a transformative shift towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of power, with solar leading the way.
Maeva B.