Editor's note: Dive headfirst into the new week with three quick things to catch up on in Houston's energy transition.
Events not to miss
Put these Houston-area energy-related events on your calendar.
- Connecting the Houston energy tech and climate community, Greentown Houston's Climatetech Summit will take place at its Midtown location on October 22.
- The University of Houston is co-hosting the 2024 EGI & University of Houston Joint Technical Conference on October 24.
- Ally Energy's GRIT Awards will honor energy leaders and best workplaces on October 30.
- Taking place in Downtown Houston November 19 to 20, the Global Clean Hydrogen Summit will provide project developers, buyers, and financiers with the information they need to establish winning strategies for global clean hydrogen markets.
Big deal: Dallas-area business to acquire Houston renewable energy co.
Houston renewables company Proteus Power is getting acquired. Photo via
Houston-based developer of utility-scale renewable energy Proteus Power is being acquired by JBB Advanced Technologies for an undisclosed amount after founder, chairman, and CEO, John B. Billingsley signed a letter of intent to purchase.
"I know the potential of renewable energy, both for our country and for the small landowners and communities we work with," Billingsley says in a news release. "Proteus Power is just the type of company I have known and grown in the past, and we're perfectly positioned to make it a very profitable company for our investors. In the near term, this very substantial business will provide a multi-billion-dollar boost to the Texas economy, from Lubbock to Midland, across West Texas and down to the Gulf Coast."
Proteus Power currently incorporates a total of 15.5 gigawatts of utility-scale renewable energy projects, which include utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. Nearly 5 gigawatts of both utility-scale solar and battery energy storage should be developed at an estimated EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) cost of $3.38 billion over the next four years. Continue reading.
Expert voice: Repurposing Houston’s infrastructure for a clean energy future
Houston’s journey towards a clean energy future is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability. Photo via Getty Images
Houston, often dubbed the “Energy Capital of the World,” is at a pivotal moment in its history. Known for its vast oil and gas reserves, the city is now embracing a new role as a leader in the clean energy transition. This shift is not just about adopting new technologies but also about creatively repurposing existing infrastructure to support sustainable energy solutions.
Houston’s offshore oil wells, many of which are old or abandoned, present a significant opportunity for carbon capture. By repurposing these wells, we can sequester carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. This approach not only utilizes existing infrastructure but also provides a cost-effective solution for carbon management. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, initiatives like these are crucial as Houston aims to lower its climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions. Exxon estimates that just their proposed CCS hub could capture and store 50 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2030 and 100 million metric tons by 2040. Continue reading the article by Tershara Mathews, national offshore wind lead at WSP.