Wind energy gets a boost in Texas

Transmission lines to ferry wind energy to urban parts of Texas

Texas has become somewhat renowned throughout the U.S. for its wind energy potential. The state is home to vast expanses of open land that is ideal for wind energy systems, and many of the country’s wind projects have found a home in the state over the past several years. Now, the state is weeks away from activating some 3,600 miles of transmission lines that will bring the electrical power from wind energy systems in the western part of the state to dense population centers like Dallas and Austin.

New project could help reduce costs associated with fossil-fuels

The transmission lines are referred to as the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone. The lines are meant to bring renewable energy to some of Texas’ largest cities, where electricity is always in high demand. The state intends to reduce its use of fossil-fuels over the coming years in order to mitigate the costs associated with such fuels while also reducing the emissions the state is responsible for. Thus far, wind energy has been an effective tool in helping the state reach its goals.

Project to bring 18,500MW of power to cities

The Competitive Renewable Energy Zone will bring some 18,500 megawatts worth of wind energy to urban areas in Texas. Much of this energy will come from projects in the western part of the state, which is sparsely populated. This energy will not only go toward powering homes and businesses, however, as some of the electrical power will also be used to aid in the development of fossil-fuel based projects, particularly those concerning the process of fracking.

$7 billion project proves beneficial for participating organizations

The Competitive Renewable Energy Zone is a $7 billion project that several Texan companies are participating in. These companies are benefiting from a tax credit they receive from the state government concerning their participation. The wind energy projects in the state have mostly been formed through financial aid provided by the federal Production Tax Credit, which is specifically designed to encourage the development of wind-based projects throughout the country.