Energy
Energy is one of the oldest and most diverse industries in Texas. Since the discovery of the Spindletop Oilfield in 1901, Texas has embodied the production of energy. The Energy cluster is made up of three sub-clusters: oil and gas exploration and production; electric/coal/nuclear power generation; and renewable and sustainable energy generation. Texas' geography and natural resources, excellent transportation systems, skilled labor force, and leadership in environmental research give the state an energy advantage.
- Texas' 26 refineries lead the nation in both crude oil production and refining, generating more than 4.7 million barrels of crude oil a day and accounting for 27 percent of the nation's total capacity.
- Texas is the only state with its own power grid, making it free from federal regulation over electrical transmission and expediting the regulatory process for new energy development.
- Texas is a major nuclear power generating state with almost 5000 MW of installed nuclear power capacity generated at two plants, The Comanche Peak project and the South Texas Project.
- Home to the two largest wind farms in the world, Roscoe Wind Farm and Horse Hollow Wind Farm, Texas leads the nation in wind energy production.
- The energy sector contributes more than $172 billion to the Texas economy.
- The solar energy falling on a single acre of land in West Texas is capable of producing the energy equivalent of 800 barrels of oil each year.
