Latest news with #BrazoriaCounty
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts uncover unexpected benefits of combining solar panels with livestock: 'Enough ... energy to power 70,000 homes'
The Myrtle solar farm in Brazoria County, Texas, is a shining example of sustainability that spans 2,400 acres of former pasture land and eliminates the need for fuel-powered lawnmowers. The facility, which was completed in 2023, is one of many renewable energy projects that have helped keep the state in the top three for installed solar capacity, alongside California and Florida. It is run by TotalEnergies, a Paris-based oil company, and features 705,000 photovoltaic cells and a herd of grass-munching sheep to help maintain the landscape, according to a report by ABC13. "Myrtle renewable power plant consists of two parts. One is a solar power plant of 380 megawatts that is generating enough clean and clear energy to power 70,000 homes," said Ahmed Sari, a construction manager who oversaw the project and spoke to the outlet. The solar power plant is complemented by a 225-megawatt battery storage system that's connected to support the local electrical grid as needed. These are crucial to expanding renewable resources such as solar and wind, helping store energy for use during peak demand hours. Agrivoltaics is a term used to describe the combination of solar power and farming, which frequently produces harmonious results. Many of these facilities use the shade provided by solar panels to give solace to crops and livestock while fostering natural habitats for pollinators. "We have sheep grazing under the solar panels in order to control vegetation in a very sustainable manner," said Marie Maitre, Total's external communications manager, per the report. The sheep get to enjoy a considerable amount of grazing land and shade, and groundskeepers don't need to use gas-guzzling lawnmowers or dangerous pesticides. This reduces maintenance costs, potentially lowering rates for consumers. Solar and wind installations accounted for 97.8% of all new U.S. electrical capacity in the first quarter of 2025, while dirty fuels such as gas and oil made up the meager difference, proving that the shift to more sustainable energy sources is gaining traction. Tesla and Honda have made deals to power their local operations with solar power generated in the state, and a new photovoltaic facility began production earlier this year. Do you think solar panels are an eyesore? Absolutely not Only in certain areas They always look bad I don't have an opinion Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Recent data showed that Texas has nearly 80% more solar, wind, and battery capacity combined than California, although the Golden State may have an edge in solar installations alone. A little competition can only help in our quest to shift to sustainable energy and ditch pollution-generating alternatives. "We are going to need all the energy types that we can have in order to meet the growing demand for energy of our growing world population," Maitre concluded. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Houston weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued, Severe T-storm Watch in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday
The Brief A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for much of the Houston area. The watch is in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Severe weather is possible throughout the overnight hours with the possibility of heavy rainfall. HOUSTON - The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the Houston area until 5 a.m. Tuesday. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Galveston County, Chambers County, northeastern Brazoria County, southeastern Libery County, and southeastern Harris County until 2:15 a.m. 60 mile per hour wind gusts are possible with this storm. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for northwestern Galveston County, eastern Fort Bend County, southeastern Montgomery County, southeastern San Jacinto County, northwestern Chambers County, north central Brazoria County, Liberty County, southeastern Polk County, and eastern Harris County until 1:45 a.m. 60 mile per hour wind gusts are possible with the storm. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning for the following counties: The following counties are included in the watch: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Houston, Jackson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton County. The following counties are included in the watch: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Houston, Jackson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton County. Severe weather is possible throughout the overnight hours with the possibility of heavy rainfall. Flooded roads are also a possibility due to the rainfall. If you are out driving and seeing a flooded roadway, turn around, don't drown. Also, be sure you have a way to receive weather alerts. You can download the FOX 26 Weather App for free and turn on the alerts to get warnings issued directly for your location. The FOX 26 Gulf Coast Weather Authority Team will keep you up-to-date throughout the night. The Source Information from the National Weather Service and your Gulf Coast Weather Authority Team.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Thousands ordered to shelter in place as chemical leak spreads across Texas
A potentially deadly chemical leak at an industrial park in Texas has sparked a shelter-in-place order for thousands of people. Sirens began blaring at 9am local at the Dow Chemical facility in Freeport after chlorine gas spewed from the factory. Lake Jackson Police Department has been advised of the active level 3 chlorine release, meaning gas has moved outside the confines of the city. Breathing in chlorine gas, even in small amounts, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and potentially lead to more serious respiratory problems. Higher concentrations of chlorine gas can cause lung injury, including pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and can be fatal. Freeport, a city in Brazoria County, is home to more than 10,500 people. Resident Michael Kelly told local Click2Houston:'It is just part of being here -- explosions, gas releases. 'The chemical plants take precaution for this, it is an undesirable situation but it does happen.' This is a developing story... More updates to come
