DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Is Texas' electricity grid the 21st century superhighway needed to transport electrons "harvested" on rural wind farms to growing urban markets? What are the grid impacts of rooftop solar installations that add electrons at sunny times but not at night? Can the grid be managed to accommodate the unique Texas cocktail of electrons generated by the sun, the wind and natural gas?
These are among the critical issues that will be addressed at the Texas Renewables 2014 Conference, "Shaping Texas' Evolving Energy Markets," to be held Nov. 3-6 at the Dallas Sheraton Hotel. This will be the 30th anniversary meeting of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Assoc. (TREIA), the only industry association that represents the broad spectrum of renewables – solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal.
"Renewable electricity isn't just about generating electrons from affordable solar and wind technologies," stated Hala Ballouz, President of Electric Power Engineers and TREIA president. "Those electrons need to reach the market reliably, efficiently and affordably. The grid must be a superhighway, not a farm-to-market road. Electrons generated when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing also must somehow be stored for later use. Energy storage is an emerging and critically important industry in Texas."
In addition, there are numerous legal, financial and institutional issues that are pivotal in the evolution of Texas' markets for renewable energy. These also will be explored by expert speakers and panelists in the two-day program, Nov. 4-5.
A panel of experts will explore whether or not new utility models are needed to capitalize on Texas' abundant solar and wind resources. Another panel will address the future and direction of electric transmission in Texas. Experts will examine issues related to energy storage, and others will discuss grid integration of the "new Texas blend." Innovative financing and marketing of distributed generation also are on the agenda.
For detailed information, visit www.texasrenewables.org. Additional information can be obtained from Russel Smith, TREIA Executive Director, at rsmith@treia.org.
Founded in 1984, Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) is a key trade and advocacy organization headquartered in Austin, Texas. TREIA is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas whose work promoting development of renewable resources and their wise use celebrates thirty years as a vital voice in the industry. For more conference information on Texas Renewables 2014 go to www.TexasRenewables.org or call 512-716-9012.