Is the Texas power grid ready for the solar eclipse on Monday? Experts are optimistic
Brandi D. AddisonAs the solar eclipse stretches from one corner of the state to the opposite side, a large portion of the state will be plunged into darkness on Monday afternoon, at least for a few minutes.
Given Texas's leading position in renewable energy, there are concerns about the reliability of the state's electrical grid.
How is the 2024 solar eclipse different from the 2017 solar eclipse?
Although the grid held strong during the total eclipse in 2017, there are several key differences now: the upcoming event is more significant, and the state's solar power storage capacity is now twenty times greater than it was then.
This time, the rare phenomenon will be a couple of thousand miles closer to Earth than previous occurrences. It will be partially visible in all 48 contiguous states and marks the last total solar eclipse until August 23, 2044, according to NASA.
Most importantly, in 2017, the state had not yet experienced the devastating statewide power outage caused by Winter Storm Uri, which resulted in over 240 fatalities in 2021. In light of this tragedy, Texans now, inevitably become cautious when any event can potentially threaten the stability of the power grid.
'Partial visibility':Clouds remain in Texas weather forecast for solar eclipse, NWS says
How will the 2024 solar eclipse impact solar power in Texas?
According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the agency has prepared for the total solar eclipse. Its website shows a timeline of events from March 28 through April 8.
Although the totality ribbon is only about 70 miles wide, its impact on solar arrays throughout the state will be significant, from 81% to 99% blockage, potentially reducing the state's solar power generation to just 7.6% of its maximum capacity.
More:What time is the April 8 total solar eclipse in Texas? Find out here with your ZIP code
Texas power grid will be impacted, but no problems expected
Thomas Overbye, director of the Smart Grid Center (SGC) and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University, told TAMU Today the most important consideration is the long-established understanding of the event.
“The eclipse is a well-known, well-planned event,” Overbye said in an interview. “We can predict eclipses thousands of years in the future, so it wasn’t catching anyone by surprise. As a result, utility companies will ensure they have enough other generation available. The grid will definitely be impacted, but we’re not expecting any problems.”
While Texas certainly leads the country in the percentage of wind and solar on the grid, Overbye noted that all states with solar power will be affected by the eclipse, but once the event ends, solar generation will quickly return to normal.
More:These Texas school districts have canceled Monday classes for the 2024 solar eclipse