RAPAD US MISSION
TEXAS
Energy is an enabler and huge opportunity for Western Queensland much like is has been for Texas.
West Texas’s renewables are driving development and growth in the metropolitan centres, by bringing solar, wind, and geothermal from the regions to the demand centres.
Below are snapshots taken from our mission meetings and site visit that cover key areas relevant to Central West Queensland.
Further details of our time in Texas is on the Sweetwater page at the link below.
Lessons from Texas
History, drivers and impact of renewable energy transition in Texas
What’s happening in Texas?
“A remarkable thing happened in March 2024. For the first time, the fossil fuel rich state of Texas generated more electricity from solar power than from coal.
When the latest batch of solar plants come on line, Texas will have added more solar capacity per capita in a single year than any US state and any country in the world.” - Financial Times
Economic Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage in Rural Texas - Joshua Rhodes PhD
Energy Technology and Policy Seminar - University of Texas at Austin
The worldwide energy sector is going through dramatic shifts in energy demand, end-uses and sources. Population and economic growth are driving up total demand. Industrialisation, urbanisation, electrification, and motorisation are changing how we use energy, while a push for domestic, low-carbon and renewable fuels is changing our sources of energy.
More professionals are needed who can navigate this rapidly changing landscape, and the Energy Technology and Policy (ETP) course offered that preparation. Led by world-renowned energy expert Professor Michael Webber, this course covered renewables, energy transition, changing energy technology and policy.
Members of the mission delegation participated in the ETP course and were pleased to make the connection with energy experts, Professor Michael Webber and Joshua Rhodes who kindly provided the below insights. We look forward to continuing the conversation with them as we progress on our region’s energy journey.
Professor Michael Webber
More about Professor Webber: www.me.utexas.edu/people/faculty-directory/webber
Joshua Rhodes PhD
More about Joshua Rhodes: https://webberenergygroup.com/people/joshua-rhodes
Innovation in powerline construction and maintenance - from Queensland to Texas
Infravision
Infravision is a Queensland company revolutionising power line construction with their innovative drone stringing systems. They launched in the US in 2022, with their base in Buda near Austin, Texas
Projects of note including the longest section of high voltage electricity transmission line strung by drones in the Asia-Pacific region - working with Powerlink to connect the Genex Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro System to the Queensland electricity SuperGrid. Find out more at: https://infravision.com.au
Christopher Cox, Co-founder
Innovation in geothermal power and energy storage - the technologies and economics
Sage Geosystems | Southwest Research Institute
Sage Geosystems makes geothermal energy available and affordable everywhere by not only harvesting heat but also pressure in a well. Sage uses proven oilfield technology, which helps cut costs. They provide geothermal power or energy storage that is reliable, flexible, and sustainable. Find out more at: www.sagegeosystems.com
Cindy Taff, CEO
Landholder perspective working with renewable energy projects
Stoney Lonesome Ranch | Cactus Flats Windfarm
John Davis and his family have been a part of the Menard community since 1880, and he still operates a ranch in the County. Davis said the idea for creating the new facility grew out of a desire to have a place to sell the waygu beef and dorper lambs they raise on the ranch. Davis’ plans for the facility mushroomed as new ideas emerged for how make The Menard Station even more attractive to local residents and visitors to the area.
John Davis - West Texas Landholder, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation
“We struck wind! We fight the weather, the coyotes, the government... wind gives us a predictable income that we can put back into, invest in economic development in the local community, helps our roots, where you come from.”