Energy

The 30th Solar Car Challenge, meant to end in Los Angeles County, was canceled in El Paso due to COVID-19, with 14 staff and team members testing positive. Despite the early end, awards were based on three days of racing, offering valuable experiences to participants.

Developer NextDecade has secured $5.9 billion for a large gas terminal in the Rio Grande delta, with five compressors processing 5.4 million tons of LNG annually, marking significant growth in Texas' energy exports despite opposition from local activists and environmental concerns.

The Arlington City Council approved a fracking zone near homes and schools, despite residents' objections. It's a victory for TotalEnergies, facing legal challenges over horizontal drilling. Texas law limits city control over drilling, influencing the council's 8-1 vote pending final approval.

EPA officials visited the Barnett Shale, noting pollution risks from fracking near residential areas. Community members, including Liveable Arlington, highlighted lax regulations and health concerns. Despite past productivity, Barnett output has declined. Locals seek stronger monitoring and oversight, amidst challenges from state laws limiting city fracking bans.

The 13th annual DFW Solar Tour returns in-person on Oct. 1, after two years online. Hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group, this free event showcases six locations promoting renewable energy education. Highlights include advanced solar homes and insights into energy storage and financing options.

Arlington approved 11 new gas wells near homes without public input, sparking activist opposition. The 2019 ordinance allows administrative approvals in established zones without notifying residents. Critics, like Liveable Arlington, cite health studies linking fracking to serious impacts. Total Energies operates the Bruder site, with activists demanding stricter regulations.

The Biden administration announces the development of the Gulf of Mexico’s first offshore wind farms off Texas and Louisiana coasts, expected to power 3 million homes. The planned Galveston project spans 546,645 acres and will power 2.3 million homes, while another near Port Arthur covers 188,023 acres, powering 799,000 homes.

The Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance Education Fund announced the North Texas Electric Transportation Compact to advance electric vehicle adoption in DFW. Led by Brandy O’Quinn, the initiative will collaborate with local entities to reduce emissions and improve air quality amidst federal ozone violation concerns.

Protestors in Fort Worth gathered against TotalEnergies' Russian ties, criticizing their investments supporting Russia’s regime amidst its military aggression in Ukraine. TotalEnergies announced a halt to Russian oil purchases but remains tied to Novatek. Environmental and social groups back the protest, demanding divestment and alternative energy transition.

Farmers Branch is set to meet its municipal electric demand via a solar farm on a former landfill. B.Q. Energy will construct the 20-acre site generating 13.6 million kWh annually, enough to power city facilities and 1,100 homes, utilizing advanced polycrystalline panels.