A coal plant in South Texas is set to undergo a major transformation, thanks to a $1.4 billion grant from the US Department of Agriculture. San Miguel Electric Cooperative Inc (SMECI), based in Atascosa County, Texas, will be shutting down its coal-fired plant and converting it into a solar + battery electricity generation facility. This move is not only aimed at cleaner energy production but also at preserving rural jobs in the area.
SMECI has been operating a lignite-fired coal plant since 1982, located in Christine, Texas. However, this coal plant has been identified as one of the top mercury polluters in Texas, exceeding the allowed limits by a significant margin. Additionally, the plant’s coal ash ponds have been causing contamination of the local water table, making it one of the most polluted groundwater sources in the country.
The USDA grant awarded to SMECI will support the conversion of the coal plant to a solar and battery storage facility. This transition will not only reduce climate pollution by 1.8 million tons per year but also create around 600 jobs in the region. The new solar plant will have a capacity of 600 MW, significantly higher than the previous coal plant’s capacity of 410 MW.
By incorporating grid-tied batteries, the new facility will help make the grid more resilient and efficient. Solar power paired with battery storage allows for better management of electricity demand and supply fluctuations, as well as quicker response times to grid needs. This transition is not only environmentally friendly but also economically beneficial, as studies have shown that new solar plants are more cost-effective than old coal plants.
While the timeline for the completion of this transition has not been announced, SMECI will be developing a Community Benefits Plan over the next year as part of the grant process. Once the conversion is complete, Texas will be left with 14 coal plants, marking a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources. In 2023, Texas generated 71GWh of electricity through coal, down from a peak of 157GWh in 2011, reflecting a growing shift away from coal in the state.
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