As temperatures rise and energy demands increase, ERCOT often asks residents to conserve energy. However, a potential solution is now on the horizon.
State leaders and private developers have approached the Texas A&M System with a proposal to use their land for building “peaker” power plants. These plants are in the early planning stages but could play a significant role in addressing energy demand.
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The primary aim of these “peaker” power plants is to prevent blackouts and brownouts by providing an alternative energy source when renewable energy is insufficient. These plants would only operate during times of peak energy demand, helping to stabilize the grid.
This initiative comes in response to the Texas Energy Fund, passed last year, which seeks to bolster the state’s energy infrastructure.
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John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, explained, “They make sure that your houses don’t go dark and it’s not just a great service to the people of Texas by providing a lot more megawatts of power but also to the communities that we have our campuses embedded in.”
No specific sites have been selected yet, but one potential location is in San Antonio. This project is still in its infancy, and developments will be closely monitored.