Texas has been a leading player in energy since the discovery of oil at Spindletop on January 10, 1901. The legendary 100 feet of oil that sprung into the air that day would mark the beginning of a vibrant industrial age. Propelled further with the help of vast gas reserves and the eventual incorporation of renewable resources, Texas energy has allowed the state to evolve into a beacon for technological advancement, economic development, and globalization, whose influence continues strong today. But, how exactly has Texas reshaped the energy industry?
Maintaining your status as a powerhouse in the energy sector can be a tricky task. The Lone Star State has managed to be successful through a combination of factors, including its access to traditional energy sources and its commitment to the development of clean energy initiatives. Currently leading the way in the country's largest wind power capacity and leveraging its access to solar energy, Texas has proved to be an unexpected trailblazer for green energy. The ability to mix and match in this way has enabled the state to achieve significant industry advancements at an astounding rate.
Geothermal energy is a renewable, low-carbon alternative to traditional energy sources like oil and gas. It works by harnessing the Earth's natural heat through the extraction of hot fluids or steam from deep underground reservoirs. These heated fluids are then brought to the ground surface, where they are used to generate steam to drive turbines, which, in turn, produce electricity.
The Earth's core is an astounding 6,000 °C (10,832 °F). To put things in perspective, that's the same temperature as the surface of the sun! This largely untapped energy resource has the potential to be a huge player in the future of sustainable energy. Due to the expansive existing oil and gas infrastructure in Texas, the use of Hybrid Geothermal Systems or Multi-System Hybrids could be the answer to the state's future sustainable energy production strategies.
Texas has the potential to lead the way in hydrogen production technologies. With energy experts in the state working night and day to explore its potential as a clean energy source, it’s no wonder the Lone Star state has managed to take such large strides in recent years. So, what is hydrogen energy? Hydrogen energy is derived from hydrogen molecules, which carry almost three times the energy of gasoline or diesel by weight. These molecules, while abundant in the universe, are actually quite scarce in our atmosphere. Because of this, hydrogen must be produced from existing substances like water. The most common method, called water electrolysis, uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Once the hydrogen has been isolated, its chemical energy can be used through fuel cells. What allows Hydrogen energy to be truly carbon emission-free is the use of renewable energy like wind or solar to produce the electricity needed for this process. As hydrogen gains traction as a versatile fuel, Texas's efforts highlight its role as a trailblazer in shaping a sustainable energy future.
The energy industry's influence extends beyond energy production and natural resources. It's a sector that has shaped the state through everything from its transportation networks to agriculture and manufacturing. Even the burgeoning tech industry in cities like Austin has benefited from the energy sector's growth.
Moreover, the energy industry has spurred educational and research initiatives. Institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, for example, play pivotal roles in training the next generation of engineers and scientists, ensuring that Texas remains at the cutting edge of energy innovation for generations to come.
As Texas continues to navigate the complexities of energy production and consumption, the state stands at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. While oil and gas remain integral to its identity, the rise of renewables signals a shift toward a more sustainable future. This balancing act between legacy industries and emerging technologies ensures that Texas remains a global energy leader. Further development in this sector could underscore Texas' commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and further establish itself as a global pioneer in the field.
By understanding the interplay between these sectors and their historical and modern impacts, we gain a clearer picture of how energy has shaped—and will continue to shape—the Lone Star State. Complete the following activity to further your understanding of the impact of Texas energy. Also, visit the Watt Watchers of Texas for more fun activities, blogs and don't forget to watch the following video on oil in Texas brought to you by Power Trip: The Story of Energy!
Activity Overview: There's no doubt that oil and gas have had an unmistakable impact on Texas. It is a major industry employing hundreds of thousands of people today, but in the grand scheme of the history of Texas and North America, oil and gas is still an emerging industry. Time: This activity is appropriate for project-based learning. As defined by the Buck Institute for Education, project-based learning (PBL) invites students to “work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience.” You could consider scheduling this activity at the beginning of a unit on energy, the environment, or engineering to challenge students to start thinking about different interdisciplinary issues. Alternatively, you could schedule this project as a “final examination” to assess students’ grasp of the material and engagement with the interdisciplinary process. For a different approach, consider scheduling a semester- or year-long project, with routine iterations and presentations. Students’ ideas and engineering designs will improve over the scheduled time as they learn more about the concepts and processes involved. Procedure: For this project, students can work individually or in groups. Allow students to select a topic (or assign students a topic) to investigate relating to the development of the oil and gas industry in Texas. Topics can be historical or contemporary, but should exhibit multi-disciplinary intersection with the development of Texas. You may want to consider booking class time in the library or computer lab for students to research their topics and to compile their research. You could also speak with your librarian or research specialist about a discussion regarding how to find and assess resources relevant to this project as part of a media literacy lesson. Project Statement: Trace the development of major sectors that contributed to the development of Texas. Analyze the effects of scientific development and the impact of significant industries if applicable. Relevant sectors include but are not limited to transportation, oil and gas, manufacturing, agricultural, renewable energy, medical, computer, and aerospace. Evaluation: Evaluate students’ projects according to the following criteria. Excellent project performance for each phase is defined below. Define a Relevant Sector: Student fully understands the project statement and identifies a sector with a meaningful impact to the development of Texas Do Background Research: Student identifies a succinct list of reputable sources that document the background and context of their identified sector and produces a well composed summary of the sector with few to zero errors in grammar, spelling, or citations. Create a Visual: Student creates at least one thematic map, graph, chart, model, or database pertaining to the sector that helps explain at least one point the student is trying to explain in the investigation. |
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Watt Watchers of Texas
204 E. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, Texas 78712
contact@watt-watchers.com
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Watt Watchers de Texas
204 E. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, Texas 78712
contact@watt-watchers.com