A solar power future?

Giant 30 mile by 30 mile solar plants in west Texas could power the entire state, according to a new report from the Environment Texas conservation group. According to the report, the solar power plants could generate 148,000 megawatts of electricity -- or twice the  state's current  energy use.

"Solar thermal power is ready for primetime," said Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas. “With support from policymakers, Texas could quickly get much of its energy from this abundant and clean domestic energy source at prices competitive with new nuclear or ‘clean coal’ power plants."

However, Metzger warned that solar energy tax credits that make such projects more cost effective are set to expire at the end of the year. He said the cost of energy from solar thermal power plants could be competitive with the cost of new nuclear power plants.

Four companies have proposed building eight new nuclear reactors in Texas. Those plants can cost billions of dollars. The state is also contemplating constructing billions of dollars in transmission lines to encourage the development of additional wind power.

In a recent report, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs notes that about 2.8 cents of every dollar spent on energy in Texas finances a local, state or federal subsidy.

-- R.A. Dyer

Comments

[S Colvin]

If we as a state could just get our house shingles changed to the solar shingles More than likely we could nearly come up just as much power but then that means the power companies would not be in control and that is a difficult [place for them to be in?????

[Tommy Hart]

That is a no brainer. Get'er done. Solar and Wind is forever. if a 30 x 30 square mile solar plant provide twice the amount of what Texas needs we would have extra to spare for years and could lower costs across the country and help get us out of a recession and let us spend money on more important things.

[Hawk]

Solar power is the way to go.
The problem is that the energy company’s that run this country won’t let go of their cash cow.

[Sean Riley]

If thermal power is "ready for primetime", then it doesn't need government subsidies ..... right? I doubt it.

[Sean Riley]

"The problem is that the energy company’s that run this country won’t let go of their cash cow."

Are you kidding? Don't you think energy companies would love to find a way to reduce their cost? If solar power is truly more efficient than coal or oil it will be produced by those greedy energy companies trying to make profit.

The truth is that solar power is not cost effective without corporate welfare subsidies provided to "big energy". Cut the corporate welfare, and the most efficient product will rise to the top of the market.

[scholar of the obvious]

What happens to those solar panels when the spring storms hit them with a hailstorm ?

[Scott]

One plant, which produces twice what the state needs, and no pollution.... Why hasn't construction started yet?