By TOBI SHOWUNMI, P.E., alliantgroup Associate Director, Team Lead for the Professional Engineering Team
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Texas has emerged as a powerhouse in solar energy production, outpacing traditional energy sources and attracting significant investment. A recent Greater Houston Partnership report highlights this groundbreaking achievement – solar generation recently surpassed coal-fired power plants in supplying electricity to the Texas power grid, contributing 3.26 million megawatt-hours (MWh).
The Lone Star State installed over 6,500 megawatts of solar generation in 2023, leading the nation for the second consecutive year. This trend is expected to continue, with Texas projected to account for 35% of new utility-scale solar capacity in 2024.
Houston, as a key player in the global energy transition, has been securing major solar projects. Recent federal grants totaling over $400 million have been awarded to Houston-area organizations to enhance solar access in low-income communities and educational institutions.
The region has also attracted significant private investment. TotalEnergies recently began operations at its Myrtle Solar farm south of Houston, capable of powering 70,000 homes. Other projects include Elin Energy’s solar panel manufacturing facility in Waller County and SEG Solar’s PV module plant in Harris County.
These developments underscore Texas’ and Houston’s commitment to renewable energy, positioning the region as a leader in the solar industry and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
Featured Leadership
Tobi Showunmi is an experienced Civil and Structural Engineer (graduated from Lehigh University – Bachelors in Civil Engineering and Masters in Structural Engineering) at alliantgroup. Tobi has over 10 years of experience in the AEC Industry, with over 40 professional engineering licenses. As a Licensed Professional Engineer, Tobi has reviewed, inspected and certified over 2,000 buildings across the United States.
Tim Taschner, Associate Director, is a leader of alliantgroup’s R&D and ERC practice. Tim and his team specialize in serving the agriculture and life science industries at alliantgroup. Under Tim’s direction, the team has helped clients ranging from livestock producers and row crop farmers to dental laboratories and pharmaceutical companies claim over $500 million in federal and state tax incentives.
