AUSTIN’S FUTURE IS SUN

Austin's sunny future, if it prepares; The Austin area is slowly but steadily losing chip plant jobs, and that could threaten its high tech reputations and future, warns civic leader Pike Powers. Renewable energy, particularly solar, could
January 31, 2009 (Austin American-Statesman)

"The Austin metropolitan area, much like the state itself, has skirted the worst of the national economic storms thus far. But…Austin cannot take its role as a high-tech center for granted…The immediate problem is the steady loss of jobs…The job losses, however, are not just victims of a slowing economy but permanent casualties of aging factories and market shifts…Fortunately, there appears to be a good jump to be made from the computer chip plate to another — renewable energy technologies, mainly solar.

"For a long time, renewable energy — particularly wind and solar — was seen as feel-good power that cost too much and produced too little to rely on as a major source of electricity. But the state's experience with wind energy over the past 10 years has opened the eyes of many.

"Last year, the state's Public Utility Commission approved a $5 billion transmission project primarily to bring wind-generated power from West Texas to its cities.
Texas has become a national leader in the use of wind-generated electricity…It's not too late, though, for the state to establish itself as a national and international center of solar power research and development…Such a center would attract and employ not just highly trained though relatively scarce scientific and engineering talent, but thousands of so-called "green collar" jobs for those who make solar equipment…"

Texas, especially West Texas, has some of the best sun in the country. (click to enlarge)

"The push to make Central Texas a national solar energy center makes so much sense in so many ways: In the University of Texas we have a world class research institution; this is a great place to live; and the area has a work force comfortable with high technology…

"Whether you're a chamber suit or a tree-hugger, there's good reason to support solar energy development…The Austin chamber already is trying bring a national consortium on battery research…Improvements in battery storage are an important part of renewable energy development…

"One player who could help drive Texas into the forefront in solar energy is Gov. Rick Perry…this isn't just about the energy or environment, important though they are, but ensuring a strong economy for the region's future."