Texas A&M System is taking steps to stabilize Texas’ power grid

BRYAN, Texas, May 23 — Texas A&M University System issued the following press release:

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M University System today took the first steps toward establishing a peaking power grid on land it owns across the state to help stabilize the situation Texas power grid during periods of peak demand.

Peaking power plants, also called simply “peaker”, are power plants typically used to provide electricity during periods of peak demand. They are an essential element of modern power grids, providing a reliable source of energy during periods of high demand.

On Tuesday A&M system asked private developers to submit proposals to build peaks on A&M system-ownership of real estate financed by a newly created property $5 billion Texas Energy Fund.

“This will ensure our campuses and their local communities never fall into darkness again, while also adding the power to help ensure everything Texas is protected,” he said John Sharpchancellor Texas A&M University System.

Sharp said hundreds of millions of dollars in research were lost during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when power outages cut power to laboratories and refrigerators across Europe. Texas.

Peaking power plants are designed to prevent blackouts by operating only during periods of high electricity demand, such as on hot summer days when air conditioning is at peak use, or during major events requiring significant energy consumption. They are not intended to run continuously, but must be activated quickly when needed to stabilize the network. They only run a few days a year.

Peak load plants also play a key role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Because renewable sources such as wind and solar operate erratically, peaker plants can provide backup power when these sources are not producing electricity.

Texas Energy Fund was created after power outages during the winter storm. Uri made it clear to everyone that Texas the power grid did not have adequate generating capacity. It was created by Senate Bill 2627 in 2023 through senator-sponsored legislation Karol Schwertner, Charles Alvarado, Paul Bettencourt and Representative Todd Hunter. Voters approved an amendment to the constitution creating the so-called Texas energy fund in November.

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ABOUT Texas A&M University System

Texas A&M University System is one of the largest higher education systems in the country, with a budget of approx $7.3 billion. With a statewide network of 11 universities, a comprehensive health sciences center, eight state agencies and the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus, Texas A&M system educates more than 157,000 students and creates more than 21 million additional educational contacts each year through service and outreach programs. System-wide, research and development spending exceeds $1 billion and help drive the state’s economy.

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Original text here: https://news.tamus.edu/texas-am-system-steps-up-to-stabilize-texas-energy-grid/