Electricity generation from solar could exceed coal in ERCOT for the first time
5 hours ago
- #Electric Grid
- #Renewable Energy
- #Solar Power
- Forecast predicts utility-scale solar generation will exceed coal for the first time in 2026 within Texas's ERCOT grid.
- Solar generation in ERCOT has grown from 4% to 12% of the mix from 2021 to 2025, while coal decreased from 19% to 13%.
- Texas is expected to account for 40% of U.S. solar capacity additions in 2026, with projects like the 837 MW Tehuacana Creek Solar and BESS leading.
- Solar surpassed coal on a monthly basis for the first time in March 2025, and is projected to outpace coal in most months through 2027.
- Electricity demand in ERCOT is rising due to cryptocurrency mining, data centers, industrial activity, and oil and gas operations.