News Summary
South Texas is experiencing a clean energy revolution with a focus on solar power and battery storage. Congressman Henry Cuellar’s efforts have positioned the area as a leader in renewable energy production. With numerous active and upcoming clean energy projects, including significant federal funding for solar and battery storage initiatives, the region is not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This shift marks a significant commitment to sustainable energy and improved quality of life for communities in South Texas.
Texas is emerging as a leader in the clean energy sector, particularly in the 28th Congressional District, which is home to significant advancements in renewable energy production. Congressman Henry Cuellar underscores the innovative combination of renewable sources alongside traditional oil and gas to provide affordable energy for local families and stimulate economic growth.
Within this district, Webb and Starr Counties are leading the charge in energy generation and development, playing a crucial role in South Texas’s transition to cleaner energy. Currently, the district hosts 30 active clean energy projects, collectively generating 3,548 megawatts (MW) of power across six counties. In addition, there are plans for 18 more clean energy projects, which will add an estimated 3,062 MW of new capacity in the near future.
The latest developments in clean energy infrastructure include substantial investments in battery storage projects across Bexar, Webb, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, and Zapata Counties. These storage facilities are expected to have a capacity for 2,375 MW of energy, enhancing the reliability of the renewable energy supply. Furthermore, new solar farms, particularly in Atascosa, Webb, and Zapata Counties, will contribute an additional 686 MW of renewable power to the grid.
The economic benefits of these projects extend beyond energy generation. Cuellar indicates that the enhancement of clean energy initiatives is creating jobs and generating local tax revenue, providing consistent and cost-effective energy solutions for households in the region.
A significant milestone in this transition is being achieved by the San Miguel Electric Cooperative (SMECI), which will receive over $1.4 billion in federal funds to convert its coal-fired power plant in Atascosa County to a new model featuring solar and battery storage technologies. This shift is projected to eliminate more than 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and support approximately 600 jobs in the process.
This funding comes from the USDA under the Inflation Reduction Act, signaling a considerable investment in the clean energy infrastructure of the area. Established in 1982, SMECI currently provides 391 MW of electricity and aims to transition its facility to produce 400 MW from solar sources and 200 MW from battery storage, with plans for the facility to be operational by 2027. The conversion process will be carefully designed to ensure it does not disrupt ongoing mine reclamation efforts in the surrounding areas.
Highlighting the USDA’s commitment to bolstering air quality and enhancing the quality of life in rural communities, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack points to clean energy initiatives as pivotal to achieving these goals. Local officials and environmental advocates view the announcement of the SMECI project as a historic victory for the community, emphasizing the importance of moving towards cleaner energy solutions.
As these projects take shape, they reflect a growing momentum for clean energy initiatives in Texas, promising to reshape the energy landscape while simultaneously offering economic benefits to local areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Texas Border Business: District 28 is a Powerhouse in Clean Energy
- Wikipedia: Renewable Energy in the United States
- Duluth News Tribune: A Warning from South Texas
- Google Search: Clean Energy Initiatives Texas
- Power Magazine: Texas Coal Plant to Convert to Solar Plus Storage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- Solar Power World: Texas Coal Plant to Switch to Solar Storage by 2027
- Google News: Texas Clean Energy Projects
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
