ERCOT Grid Reaches 50% Clean Energy Mark in Early 2025, Solar Matches Coal

Austin, TX – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid achieved a significant milestone in the first five months of 2025, operating on approximately 50% clean energy. This development, highlighted by Joshua D. Rhodes, a research scientist at The University of Texas at Austin, underscores the accelerating shift in the state's energy landscape. Rhodes announced on social media, > "The ERCOT grid ran on ~50% clean energy for the first 5 months of the year."

Further demonstrating this transition, solar power generation in Texas reached parity with coal, each contributing roughly 13% to the grid's fuel mix during the same period. This marks a notable achievement for solar, which has been the fastest-growing source of electricity in the U.S. according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Rhodes observed, > "Solar caught up with coal generation at ~13% each so far."

Texas, a national leader in energy production and consumption, operates its own independent power grid managed by ERCOT, serving about 90% of the state. The state has seen substantial investment in renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, which are increasingly vital to meeting its growing electricity demands. This diversification is crucial for grid stability and resilience, especially given past challenges like Winter Storm Uri.

While natural gas remains a dominant force in the Texas energy portfolio, the increasing penetration of renewables is transforming the grid's operational dynamics. The integration of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) has also played a critical role, helping to mitigate the intermittency of wind and solar power and improve overall grid reliability. ERCOT's Monthly Outlook for Resource Adequacy (MORA) reports indicate continued growth in battery storage capacity.

The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by both environmental goals and economic factors, as renewable energy becomes increasingly cost-competitive. This trend is expected to continue as Texas addresses its rising energy demands, fueled by population growth, industrial expansion, and the electrification of various sectors. The state's ability to integrate diverse energy sources will be key to its future energy security.