Wind Energy in Amarillo, Texas

Wind Energy News

July 17th 2008 ~~ State supports $4.9 billion for wind power plan

On Thursday, State officials gave preliminary approval to a $4.9 billion wind power project that will add a massive system of transmission lines to help move electricity generated along the windy plains of West Texas to major populated cities like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

When the plan wins final approval, it would be the country's largest investment renewable power. The decision, approved on a 2-1 vote, triggers continued plans for ramping up in the state's power grid system, adding more than 2,000 miles of heavy-duty transmission lines.  Read more

July 20th 2007 ~~ Public Utility Commission of Texas calls for eight CREZ’s

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) convened on Friday, July 20, 2007 in order to designate eight Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZs) throughout Texas, addressing the increasing energy demands in the heavy load centers of the State.  CREZs are “hot spots” where a renewable resource has been identified and allow for connectivity to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid.

Due to optimal environmental conditions allowing for the most accessible and quantifiable wind resource in the United States, three of the five Texas Panhandle CREZs achieved designation.  Future steps to ensure wind development and connectivity from CREZs one, two and four include a feasibility and cost study to be performed by the PUCT with an anticipated completion date of December 2008.  Upon completion of this study and the creation of a transmission plan, developers and manufacturers alike will no longer be impeded from pursuing projects in the Texas Panhandle.

Texas is leading the way and Amarillo, TX is in the center of it all!
July 2006 marked a monumental event as Texas made history surpassing California as the leader in aggregate wind power capacity. This accomplishment is a testament to the proactive spirit of both the public and private sectors to embrace Texas as the emerging market for wind energy and wind-related technologies.