Solutions
Renewables have a growing role to meet the worlds energy needs
Texas leads the world in wind and solar development and production; continue existing incentives and programs. An all of the above energy approach is essential to meeting the worlds energy needs and in striving toward cleaner, sustainable energy sources. Technology development for battery storage of power from renewable sources should continue. There needs to be a constructive disposal and waste management plan for wind, solar and battery waste. They have 20 - 30-year useful lives, then will need waste management.
Build and operate permanent storage for nuclear waste from nuclear electricity generation
Existing nuclear plants should continue to operate as long as they are safe and viable. The US spent $6 billion in Nevada that cannot be used. Nuclear waste should not be stored on site. Ignoring a growing problem compounds the need.
Mitigate methane emissions and end routine flaring
Methane is 23 times more powerful driver of climate change than CO2. It is a valuable resource that should not be wasted. Industry in Texas has committed to a goal to end routine flaring in Texas by 2030, a date consistent with the World Bank’s identified goal.
Carbon Capture and Underground Storage (“CCUS”)
Inject carbon emissions into permanent storage. Legislation is needed this session to resolve the issues that have prevented development of CCUS projects. Texas leads the world in regulating CO2 transportation and injection into enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) projects. The 40-year track record of regulations has produced no problems with CO2 transportation and injection and recycle from EOR production. As Texas is the leading source of CO2 emissions, Texas needs to create a low-cost industry to accomplish carbon capture, transportation, injection, and monitoring for sequestration. The National Petroleum Council’s December 2019 report on carbon capture, transportation, injection storage and sequestration made 69 recommendations that need to be resolved to generate an economic, legal and regulatory framework in which industry can conduct CCUS.
Create a hydrogen economy to solve the long duration storage issue for wind and solar power, if there is carbon capture and underground storage
Hydrogen can power the Texas ERCOT grid with no CO2 emissions, if there is CCUS available. Hydrogen is an abundant element that is found everywhere on earth and under it. It is a foundation element for hydrocarbons and is a remarkable source of energy. It is used as a reducing agent and enjoys a strong mix of industrial and chemical applications for both fuels and materials. The merits of hydrogen utilization have been expressed for decades, but finally, its time has come.