Summer outages remain major concern despite CenterPoint upgrades, report shows

power report

A new UH survey shows Harris County residents fear power outages more than flooding or wind when severe weather hits. Photo via Getty Images.

A new survey from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs showed that nearly 70 percent of 2,300 Harris County registered voters polled were very worried or moderately worried about losing power this summer.

The survey asked residents questions about the potential impact of severe summer weather and to evaluate CenterPoint’s efforts to improve the electrical grid over the past year. It was conducted between July 9-18.

Among the three severe weather threats studied—being without power, high winds and flooding—loss of power was the primary concern among respondents. When asked to what extent residents were worried about being without power:

42 percent were very worried
27 percent were moderately worried
19 percent were a little worried
12 percent were not worried at all

Only 25 percent of respondents reported they were very worried about wind damage, and 20 percent were very worried about flooding.

The report also found that 63 percent of respondents held an unfavorable opinion of CenterPoint Energy.

And despite CenterPoint’s $3.2 billion Systemwide Resiliency Plan (SRP), partnerships with AI companies, and its ongoing Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), 44 percent of respondents said they believe CenterPoint has made only "a little bit" progress on improving the grid's overall reliability.

CenterPoint maintains that the SRP is expected to reduce storm-related outages by 1 billion minutes for its 2.8 million customers by 2029. The company also recently reported a 45 percent reduction in the duration of outages for individual customers from January to June of this year.

“We believe that these resiliency actions will help create a future with fewer outages that impact smaller clusters of customers, coupled with faster restoration times for our Greater Houston communities,” Jason Wells, president and CEO of CenterPoint, previously said in a news release.

Read the full report that includes demographic explanations here.

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UH Energy's new Managing Non-Technical Risks in Energy program will launch Sept. 15. Photo courtesy University of Houston

UH launches latest micro-credential program focused on energy risks

coming soon

UH Energy at the University of Houston will launch a new micro-credential program this fall focused on risks associated with today's changing energy landscape.

The new self-paced, hybrid program, known as Managing Non-Technical Risks in Energy, is geared towards energy professionals and those who aspire to work in the industry. Enrollment must be completed by Sept. 15 to participate.

According to UH, it will equip participants with "tools, strategies, and real-world insights needed to lead confidently" as they face pressure to meet increased energy demand while also operating under sustainable guidelines.

The program will be led by expert instructors, including:

Suryanarayanan Radhakrishnan, Managing Director of UH Energy
Amy Mifflin, Principal Consultant and Partner at Sustrio Inc.
Chris Angelides, Honorary Consul of The Republic of Cyprus to Texas, Managing Director at Ernst & Young LLP
Carolina Ortega, Vice President, Sustainability and Communications at Milestone Environmental Services
Krish (Ravi) Ravishankar, Senior Director ESG Analytics & Reporting, Sustainability, Worldwide Environmental Affairs at Oxy

Participants can earn up to three "badges" through the program. Each badge consists of two modules, which can be completed virtually and take about 10 hours to complete over four weeks.

Each module will also include one in-person engagement session that will last about two hours.

The three badges include:

Badge 1: Managing Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
Badge 2: Frameworks, Standards, and Implementation
Badge 3: Advanced Applications

Badges can be earned individually or as a series of three, and participants must complete assessments to earn each badge.

Badge 1 Module 1 will start on Sept. 15, followed by Badge 1 Module 2 on Oct. 20. Find more information here.

A new white paper from the University of Houston cautions that Texas faces a potential electricity shortfall of up to 40 gigawatts annually by 2035 if the grid doesn’t expand. Photo courtesy UH.

New UH white paper details Texas grid's shortfalls

grid warning

Two University of Houston researchers are issuing a warning about the Texas power grid: Its current infrastructure falls short of what’s needed to keep pace with rising demand for electricity.

The warning comes in a new whitepaper authored by Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at UH, and researcher Aparajita Datta, a Ph.D candidate at UH.

“As data centers pop up around the Lone Star State, electric vehicles become more commonplace, industries adopt decarbonization technologies, demographics change, and temperatures rise statewide, electricity needs in Texas could double by 2035,” a UH news release says. “If electrification continues to grow unconstrained, demand could even quadruple over the next decade.”

Without significant upgrades to power plants and supporting infrastructure, Texas could see electricity shortages, rising power costs and more stress on the state’s grid in coming years, the researchers say. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid serves 90 percent of the state.

“Texas, like much of the nation, has fallen behind on infrastructure updates, and the state’s growing population, diversified economy and frequent severe weather events are increasing the strain on the grid,” Datta says. “Texas must improve its grid to ensure people in the state have access to reliable, affordable, and resilient energy systems so we can preserve and grow the quality of life in the state.”

The whitepaper’s authors caution that Texas faces a potential electricity shortfall of up to 40 gigawatts annually by 2035 if the grid doesn’t expand, with a more probable shortfall of about 27 gigawatts. And they allude to a repeat of the massive power outages in Texas during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.

One gigawatt of electricity can power an estimated 750,000 homes in Texas, according to the Texas Solar + Storage Association.

The state’s current energy mix includes 40 percent natural gas, 29 percent wind, 12 percent coal, 10 percent nuclear and eight percent solar, the authors say.

Despite surging demand, 360 gigawatts of solar and battery storage projects are stuck in ERCOT’s queue, according to the researchers, and new natural gas plants have been delayed or withdrawn due to supply chain challenges, bureaucratic delays, policy uncertainties and shifting financial incentives.

Senate Bill 6, recently signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, calls for demand-response mandates, clearer rate structures and new load management requirements for big users of power like data centers and AI hubs.

“While these provisions are a step in the right direction,” says Datta, “Texas needs more responsive and prompt policy action to secure grid reliability, address the geographic mismatch between electricity demand and supply centers, and maintain the state’s global leadership in energy.”

TEX-E, a Houston-based energy transition nonprofit, has named Sandy Guitar as its executive director. Photo courtesy TEX-E.

TEX-E names Houston VC leader as new executive director

new hire

The Texas Exchange for Energy & Climate Entrepreneurship (TEX-E) has named Houston venture capital and innovation leader Sandy Guitar as its new executive director.

Guitar succeeds David Pruner, who will move into the board chair role.

Guitar previously served as general partner and managing director at Houston-based VC firm HX Venture Fund and is co-founder of Weathergage Capital. She also sits on the advisory board of Rice University's Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) and launched the Women Investing in VC in Houston group.

In a LinkedIn post, Guitar shared that she's looking forward to bringing her problem-solving skills to the energy transition.

"Innovating in the energy sector is as significant and intricate a problem as I have ever worked on — one that demands creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness at every turn," she shared.

"I'm honored to join TEX-E at such a pivotal time in the energy transition," she added in a news release. "Energy and climate innovation is accelerating at the intersection of brilliant minds and bold ideas. I'm excited to help TEX-E amplify that collision between students who think differently and the real-world problems that demand fresh solutions."

According to TEX-E, Guitar will continue to lead the organization's programming that aims to connect student climate entrepreneurs with "industry reality."

"Sandy understands the complexities of the Texas energy ecosystem and brings a forward-looking vision for how related innovation can drive meaningful, lasting impact. She's exactly the leader we need to take TEX-E to the next level and help create the next generation of energy transition innovators," David Baldwin, TEX-E board member, added in the release.

TEX-E was founded in 2022 through partnerships with MIT Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship and Greentown Labs. It works with university students from six schools: Rice University, University of Houston, Prairie View A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and MIT.

It's known for its student track within the Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition at CERAWeek, which awarded $25,000 to HEXASpec, a Rice University-led team, at the 2025 event. It also hosted its inaugural TEX-E Conference, centered on the theme of Energy & Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Future of Climate Tech, earlier this year.

A team led by M.A.S.R. Saadi and Muhammad Maksud Rahman has developed a biomaterial that they hope could be used for the “next disposable water bottle." Photo courtesy Rice University.

Houston researchers develop strong biomaterial that could replace plastic

plastic problem

Collaborators from two Houston universities are leading the way in engineering a biomaterial into a scalable, multifunctional material that could potentially replace plastic.

The research was led by Muhammad Maksud Rahman, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Houston and an adjunct assistant professor of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice University. The team shared its findings in a study in the journal Nature Communications earlier this month. M.A.S.R. Saadi, a doctoral student in material science and nanoengineering at Rice, served as the first author.

The study introduced a biosynthesis technique that aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, which resulted in robust biopolymer sheets with “exceptional mechanical properties,” according to the researchers.

Biomaterials typically have weaker mechanical properties than their synthetic counterparts. However, the team was able to develop sheets of material with similar strengths to some metals and glasses. And still, the material was foldable and fully biodegradable.

To achieve this, the team developed a rotational bioreactor and utilized fluid motion to guide the bacteria fibers into a consistent alignment, rather than allowing them to align randomly, as they would in nature.

The process also allowed the team to easily integrate nanoscale additives—like graphene, carbon nanotubes and boron nitride—making the sheets stronger and improving the thermal properties.

“This dynamic biosynthesis approach enables the creation of stronger materials with greater functionality,” Saadi said in a release. “The method allows for the easy integration of various nanoscale additives directly into the bacterial cellulose, making it possible to customize material properties for specific applications.”

Ultimately, the scientists at UH and Rice hope this discovery could be used for the “next disposable water bottle,” which would be made by biodegradable biopolymers in bacterial cellulose, an abundant resource on Earth.

Additionally, the team sees applications for the materials in the packaging, breathable textiles, electronics, food and energy sectors.

“We envision these strong, multifunctional and eco-friendly bacterial cellulose sheets becoming ubiquitous, replacing plastics in various industries and helping mitigate environmental damage,” Rahman said the release.

Houston researchers have uncovered why solid-state batteries break down and what could be done to slow the process. Photo via Getty Images.

Houston team’s discovery brings solid-state batteries closer to EV use

a better battery

A team of researchers from the University of Houston, Rice University and Brown University has uncovered new findings that could extend battery life and potentially change the electric vehicle landscape.

The team, led by Yan Yao, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UH, recently published its findings in the journal Nature Communications.

The work deployed a powerful, high-resolution imaging technique known as operando scanning electron microscopy to better understand why solid-state batteries break down and what could be done to slow the process.

“This research solves a long-standing mystery about why solid-state batteries sometimes fail,” Yao, corresponding author of the study, said in a news release. “This discovery allows solid-state batteries to operate under lower pressure, which can reduce the need for bulky external casing and improve overall safety.”

A solid-state battery replaces liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion cells with a solid separator, according to Car and Driver. They also boast faster recharging capabilities, better safety and higher energy density.

However, when it comes to EVs, solid-state batteries are not ideal since they require high external stack pressure to stay intact while operating.

Yao’s team learned that tiny empty spaces, or voids, form within the solid-state batteries and merge into a large gap, which causes them to fail. The team found that adding small amounts of alloying elements, like magnesium, can help close the voids and help the battery continue to function. The team captured it in real-time with high-resolution videos that showed what happens inside a battery while it’s working under a scanning electron microscope.

“By carefully adjusting the battery’s chemistry, we can significantly lower the pressure needed to keep it stable,” Lihong Zhao, the first author of this work, a former postdoctoral researcher in Yao’s lab and now an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UH, said in the release. “This breakthrough brings solid-state batteries much closer to being ready for real-world EV applications.”

The team says it plans to build on the alloy concept and explore other metals that could improve battery performance in the future.

“It’s about making future energy storage more reliable for everyone,” Zhao added.

The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Battery 500 Consortium under the Vehicle Technologies Program. Other contributors were Min Feng from Brown; Chaoshan Wu, Liqun Guo, Zhaoyang Chen, Samprash Risal and Zheng Fan from UH; and Qing Ai and Jun Lou from Rice.

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Houston energy firm to develop data center projects in Matagorda County

data center developments

Houston-based Barrio Energy will develop two new projects for 10-megawatt data center sites in Matagorda County.

Located in the ERCOT South Zone, the projects will assist in powering advanced computing operations, modular data centers and cryptocurrency mining, according to a news release.

Barrio Energy is a provider of energy infrastructure solutions for computing and data centers, and its new locations will build on its existing Texas sites in Monahans, George West, Lolita and Tyler. The Tyler location, a 12-megawatt data center connected to the ERCOT grid, opened in 2024.

“The ERCOT South Zone’s strong infrastructure and access to abundant power make it an optimal location for next-generation computing,” Ivan Pinney, CEO of Barrio Energy, said in a news release. “These developments expand our portfolio and contribute to local economic growth through job creation and technological innovation.”

Operations at the first of the two sites are expected to commence in Q4 2025, with the second site following in Q1 2026.

“We are excited to advance these two high-potential 10MW sites in Matagorda County, which perfectly align with our mission to provide scalable, efficient energy solutions for our clients,” Pinney added in the release.

Expert: 6 solutions to address the energy industry’s talent shortage

Guest Column

Across the energy sector, companies are facing the growing challenge of finding skilled workers. In fact, 71% of energy employers say they are struggling to fill open roles. What is causing the shortage? A mix of factors, including an aging workforce, outdated perceptions of the industry and a rising global demand for energy.

This talent gap threatens progress on big goals like transitioning to cleaner energy, upgrading infrastructure and driving innovation in renewables. Solving the problem isn’t simple, but it is possible. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term approach that includes education, recruitment, training, retention and supportive policies. Let’s explore some practical solutions.

1. Build a strong foundation through STEM and career pathway awareness

Solving the workforce shortage starts well before college or the first job offer. We need to reach students early, with STEM education, career exposure and clear pathways to energy careers. Elementary, middle and high school programs that connect science and math with real-world energy applications can spark curiosity and show students the range of opportunities available in the energy industry.

Organizations like the Energy Education Foundation are helping by partnering with educators and employers to align curriculum with real industry needs and bring energy topics to life in the classroom. We also need to ensure students understand the full range of energy systems, from traditional oil and gas to renewables like wind and solar, as well as nuclear, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. A broad, well-rounded understanding of the entire energy value chain will better prepare them for the future of work in this dynamic industry.

As technologies evolve, so must the systems that prepare people to work with them. Energy companies can collaborate with universities, trade schools and community colleges to design programs that match today’s job requirements through hands-on apprenticeships, industry-recognized certifications and digital skills training.

Affordability can also be a barrier for many students who are interested in energy careers but face financial obstacles to higher education. While four-year degrees are important for some roles, they are not the only path into the industry. Trade schools, community colleges and certificate programs offer fast, affordable routes into high-demand jobs, often with strong earning potential right out of the gate. The industry can do more to elevate these options by promoting offshore, field and technical roles as innovative, high-impact careers.

2. Help today’s workforce learn new skills

As more energy companies adopt digital tools like automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics, there is a growing need for employees with the tech skills to match. But right now, there is a shortage of those skills across the board. That is why upskilling and reskilling current employees is so important. Companies can create internal training platforms, offer recognized certifications and explore immersive tools like virtual reality to simulate real-world scenarios. Cross-training employees to understand both traditional and renewable energy systems can also help build more flexible, future-ready teams.

3. Open the doors to broaden and diversify talent

The energy industry, being a global enterprise, has much to gain from embracing diversity across various dimensions, including cultural backgrounds, languages, work styles and time zone considerations. Research shows that culturally diverse companies are 33% more likely to out-innovate their competitors. These organizations are better equipped to generate a wide range of ideas and transform them into valuable products or services. The most successful firms offer equitable advancement opportunities, paid time off, family leave, mentoring and sponsorship programs and environments grounded in respect and fairness. These practices make a big difference not just in attracting talent, but in keeping it.

4. Use technology to support, not replace, people

From exploring new energy sources to managing the grid and storing power, technology is transforming the industry. But instead of replacing jobs, tools like AI and automation can be used to make work safer, smarter and more efficient. For instance, smart grid systems and AI-powered planning tools can cut downtime and boost productivity, freeing up skilled employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks. When used thoughtfully, technology becomes an ally that helps teams do their best work.

5. Strengthen retention through purpose

While offering competitive salaries is important, it’s only one part of the equation. Many energy companies face challenges in areas such as career development, workplace culture and building trust in leadership. These elements play a significant role in shaping the employee experience and can strongly influence retention.

For younger professionals, particularly millennials and Gen Z, the opportunity to address sustainability challenges is especially compelling. A 2024 survey revealed that nearly 90% of respondents in these groups believe it’s essential for their work to make a difference, with 88% stating that their job should align with their personal values. Clean energy careers strongly align with these expectations. In fact, 81% of surveyed individuals see the clean energy sector as a promising career path. Among the top reasons cited were the sector’s positive environmental impact and the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. Even among those currently employed in unrelated fields, 65% expressed a willingness to pivot to a clean energy role, underscoring the growing demand for purpose-driven careers. People want to feel like their work matters and that they are growing. In a fast-evolving sector, building a strong team is about offering purpose, not just perks.

6. Embrace collaboration

No single company can solve the energy workforce shortage on its own. This is a shared challenge, and it needs a shared solution. That means governments, schools and businesses need to collaborate on everything from education to job training. As an example, it is critical to align training programs with real workforce needs. That means sharing data across sectors to understand where demand is heading and making sure employees are trained for the jobs of the future.

The energy sector is at a turning point. As we continue to embrace energy expansion, we need a workforce that can make it all happen. That requires more than quick fixes. It takes a long-term, inclusive approach that supports talent at every stage, from early education to career advancement. By investing in people as intentionally as we invest in technology and infrastructure, we can close the talent gap and build a workforce ready to power a stronger energy future.

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Kristen Barley is the executive director of the Energy Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of energy leaders by providing comprehensive, engaging education that spans the entire energy spectrum.

Houston energy hub announces first cohort for new accelerator

green team

Energytech Nexus, a Houston-based hub for energy startups, has named its inaugural cohort of 14 companies for the new COPILOT accelerator.

COPILOT partners with Browning the Green Space, a nonprofit that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the clean energy and climatech sectors. The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory backs the COPILOT accelerator.

The eight-month COPILOT program offers mentorship, training and networking for startups. Program participants will be tasked with developing pilot projects for their innovations.

Two Houston startups are members of the first COPILOT class:

GeoFuels, housed at Houston’s Greentown Labs, has come up with a novel approach to hydrogen production that relies on geothermal power and methane decomposition.
PolyQor, which converts plastic waste into eco-friendly construction materials. Its flagship EcoGrete product is an additive for concrete that enhances its properties while reducing carbon emissions. PolyQor’s headquarters is at Houston’s Greentown Labs.

Other members of the COPILOT cohort are:

Birmingham, Alabama-based Accelerate Wind, developer of a wind turbine for commercial buildings.
Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Aquora Biosystems, which specializes in organic waste biorefineries.
Phoenix-based EarthEn Energy, a developer of technology for thermo-mechanical energy storage.
New York City-based Electromaim, which installs small hydro-generators in buildings’ water systems.
Chandler, Arizona-based EnKoat, an advanced materials company whose flagship product, the IntelliKoat System, is a patented two-layer thermal and weather barrier roof coating for flat and low-slope commercial buildings.
Calgary, Canada-based Harber Coatings, which manufactures electroless nickel coating and electroless nickel plating.
Dallas-based Janta Power, which designs and makes 3D solar towers.
Miami-based NanoSieve, a developer of gas remediation technology.
Palo Alto, California-based Popper Power, which has developed a platform that turns streetlight networks into resilient, maintenance-free distributed charging infrastructure.
Buffalo, New York-based Siva Powers America, developer of small wind turbines for farms, utility companies and others with annual energy needs of 300,000 to 2 million kilowatt-hours.
Los Angeles-based Thermoshade, which specializes in cooling panels for outdoor environments.
Waukesha, Wisconsin-based V-Glass, Inc., developer of a vacuum-insulated glass for affordable high-efficiency windows.

“These startups reflect the future of energy access and resilience innovation,” said Juliana Garaizar, founding partner of Energytech Nexus. “By connecting them directly with partners through

COPILOT, we’re helping them overcome the ‘pilot gap’ to build solutions that scale.”

The startups will run pilot projects along the Gulf Coast for their inventions.

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