Texas has quietly become America's renewable energy powerhouse, with solar and wind now generating over 70 gigawatts of capacity. Raina Hornaday, founder and CEO of Caprock Renewables, reveals how this transformation happened and why rural communities are driving the next wave of clean energy growth.
In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, we explore the explosive growth of Texas renewables, where solar and wind now exceed 70 gigawatts of capacity. Raina takes us through her family's history with the first utility-scale wind project in New Mexico and reveals how Texas has become America's renewable energy powerhouse.
Key topics covered include
The fascinating ERCOT dashboard showing real-time energy generation
The Texas Renewable Energy Industries Alliance (TREIA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary
The emerging agrivoltaics revolution that is helping farmers add revenue streams while maintaining agricultural productivity.
The recent legislative battles, where over 100 renewable advocates testified against anti-renewable bills
The growing role of battery storage in grid stability
How oil and gas companies are increasingly turning to renewables for their operations.
Raina also discusses her work with American Farmland Trust on educating farmers about agrivoltaics, the importance of responsible development in rural communities, and why microgrids are becoming essential for energy independence.
Whether you're interested in renewable energy development, agricultural innovation, or Texas energy policy, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who's been at the forefront of the industry for over a decade.
Connect with Raina Tillman Hornaday
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raina-hornaday/
Website: https://caprockrenewables.com/
Clean TX Anniversary: https://cleantx.org/new-products/cleantx-40th-anniversary-luncheon-ticket
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00:00 Introduction
02:43 Guest Introduction
04:51 Caprock Renewables
09:19 Texas Renewables Market and ERCOT Dashboard
11:27 TREIA's Role and Impact
16:42 Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Development
21:48 Agrivoltaics and Its Benefits
36:26 Clean TX 40th Anniversary
37:42 ERCOT Dashboard
42:47 Raina's Advice for Success
45:08 Closing thoughts
