While special interests dismissed renewables in recent decades, pro-gas states like Texas and Oklahoma actually ended up leading the country in wind energy not just in terms of installed capacity, but also in the sense that wind energy works really well in these states (rural CA may not have the wind speeds to generate wind energy at a lower cost than fossil fuels; Western TX does). A lot of credit must go to TX not just for driving demand for wind energy, but also for being a key reason that LCOE averages are so low today.

Does anybody have the background on TX partnerships between developers, operators, and the state that led to wind adoption? Any surprising reasons why these stakeholders chose not to weatherize their turbines?

I’m aware that the failure of wind turbines isn’t the main reason that TX is in its current predicament. That being said, wind energy has been lazily scapegoated by the governor, among other influential people. Any thoughts on whether these incidents will have a negative impact on wind energy adoption in TX and similar states? Are developers/operators liable or should they fear increased liability? Will gas lobbies latch onto this? Will elected officials avoid championing wind?