Full Title: The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage in Rural Texas
Author(s): Joshua D. Rhodes, PhD
Publisher(s): IdeaSmiths
Publication Date: January 5, 2023
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Description (excerpt):
This analysis assessed the local tax and landowner payment implications and local sentiment of utility-scale renewable energy projects and energy storage, particularly in rural Texas counties.
The purpose of this report is two-fold, 1) to estimate the levelized (per MW) stream of tax and landowner payments that flow into counties in Texas (with a particular focus on rural counties) when utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects are built and 2) to provide some perspective from some of the residents of those areas. Funds flowing into counties from renewable energy projects typically consist of two major forms: increased tax revenue and direct landowner payments. However, renewable and energy storage projects also provide other economic benefits to local communities via local jobs, community support, charitable contributions, and additional spending on local services such as hotels, food, and supplies, etc.