Energy produced in Texas using renewable resources grew by 12% in 2013, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The grid operator says wind power continues to lead in the state, while solar generation has increased and biomass and hydro have decreased.
ERCOT provided these updates to the Public Utility Commission of Texas in its new 2013 Annual Report on the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Trading Program.
Generators participating in Texas' REC program reported producing 38.1 million MWh of renewable generation in 2013, compared to 33.9 million in 2012 – a 12% overall increase. At more than 36.9 million MWh in total generation, wind power represented nearly 97% of the total. Energy produced from wind generation was up by 13% compared to 2012.
ERCOT says solar energy production in 2013 was up by about one-third, based on information from commercial solar resources and aggregators that participate in the program. Biomass production dropped 31% from 2012, and hydropower decreased 24%.
