During the 1970s, alternative forms of energy, such as wind and solar power, were considered to be more optimistic forms of energy, rather than actual forms of energy that could realistically power a metropolitan area. Texas, which was and still is world-renowned for its oil rigs and fossil fuel wealth, was not even considered to be a leader in the clean energy race, let alone even in the conversation. If renewables were to be realistically scaled and implemented in a cost-effective way, there was little expectation for them to be implemented in a realistic time frame.

Texas reaches a new milestone in the perception of renewables

The 2025 milestone that Texas achieved shows that there has been a dramatic change in the perception of renewables. Texas has proven that most doubts were unfounded as they have shown that renewables can survive even in the heart of the traditional energy economy.

By November 2025, about 2.64 million MWh of solar electricity had been produced in Texas, surpassing coal generation. Texas had made history for solar electricity in the state. No longer seen as an extra option, solar energy had surpassed coal, a fuel source Texas had relied upon for decades. This moment marked a historic shift in the state’s energy balance.

There is the potential to save solar power generated during the day to be used later when the sun is not shining, or when there is a spike in demand for energy. The pairing of storage with solar energy made what was once seen as too good to be true into a practical reality. These facts prove that Texas is at the forefront of the nation’s modern energy system.

Scaling up Texas renewable energy: How can this be achieved?

Adding wind and solar capacity at a faster rate than most other states, Texas is setting records for new projects designed to meet electricity demand during record-breaking production months. Utility-scale solar has moved beyond pilot projects into major solar power facilities. These expansions reflect confidence from investors, utilities, and policymakers that renewable energy can fuel economic growth.

Battery energy storage is key to ERCOT reliability

Battery energy storage is crucial to the reliability of the ERCOT grid. Storage systems enable the capture of excess energy and discharge energy during generation shortfalls or energy demand spikes. This helps avert outages, mitigates price volatility, and provides reliability during high-demand periods. As more storage capacity is added, renewables will increasingly act as firm power sources instead of behaving as intermittent power sources.

Outpacing expectations of a fossil fuel state

Texas still has a significant share of its electricity generated from natural gas and wind, indicating the state’s diversified energy portfolio. Texas solar generation continues to grow at a fast pace and is changing the paradigm. Along with battery storage, renewables play a vital yet crucial role in satisfying grid demand.

Renewable energy is bigger in Texas

Grid systems powered by solar, wind, and storage have been a vision for the past few decades. This vision is now a reality. The ERCOT grid is a testament to how investment, technology, and planning can result in reliable electricity generation at any scale.

With more renewable energy being produced, wholesale electricity rates have become more stable, and Texas has become a model for integrating large volumes of clean energy without any trade-offs on reliability.

Increasing transmission infrastructure and managing demand, particularly at night, will be the next challenges in the blueprint for Texas. Even with all these challenges, surpassing coal for annual generation represents a defining milestone. Other states with ambitious renewables goals now use Texas as a point of reference.