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Energy is Good for Texas
Biomass
Texas is one of the leading states with potential growth for biomass energy due to its large agriculture and forestry industries. Biomass is created when renewable organic material, like wood, agricultural waste and algae, is used to produce energy through processes such as burning or photosynthesis and other chemical and biological conversion practices.
Texas Biomass Energy Produced
In 2023, biomass contributes less than 0.1 percent of energy to Electric Council of Texas (ERCOT)-served counties (214 out of 254 Texas counties) and contributes 5 percent to U.S. energy usage.
Texas is home to 16 biomass power plants contributing 376 megawatts (MW) of energy to the state as of 2023.
Biomass Energy Economics in Texas
Non-woody Biomass and Woody Biomass Fuels
Employment Jobs, 2022
2,134
Average Annual Wage for Biomass
Electric Power Generation, 2022
$144,687
Gross Domestic Product for Biomass
Electric Power Generation, 2021
$32.2 million
Texas Biomass Power Plants, 2022
View Map Details
| Power Plant | Utility Owner | County | Total MW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nacogdoches Power | Austin Energy | Nacogdoches | 100 |
| International Paper Texarkana Mill | Graphic Packaging International - Texarkana | Cass | 65 |
| WestRock (TX) | WestRock (TX) | Jasper | 59.5 |
| Woodville Renewable Power Project | East Texas Electric Coop, Inc | Tyler | 46.5 |
| International Paper - Orange | International Paper - Orange | Orange | 33.2 |
| Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers | Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc. | Hidalgo | 18.9 |
| DFW Gas Recovery | WM Renewable Energy LLC | Denton | 12.2 |
| Covel Gardens Gas Recovery | EDL Inc | Bexar | 9.6 |
| Snider Industries | Snider Industries Inc | Harrison | 5 |
| Austin Gas Recovery | WM Renewable Energy LLC | Travis | 4.8 |
| Nelson Gardens Landfill Gas to Energy | Nelson Gardens Energy, LLC | Bexar | 4.4 |
| Ameresco Dallas LLC | Ameresco Dallas LLC | Dallas | 4.2 |
| Security | TX LFG Energy, LP | Montgomery | 3.4 |
| Westside Landfill Gas Recovery | WM Renewable Energy LLC | Parker | 3.2 |
| Farmers Branch Renewable Energy Facility | WM Renewable Energy LLC | Denton | 3.2 |
| Mesquite Creek LFGTE Project | WM Renewable Energy LLC | Comal | 3.2 |
| Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration |
Outlook
Texas A&M University is researching new and innovative ways for biomass use. Researchers have used artificial intelligence to explore cost-efficient sources of biomass materials like algae and are researching how to turn waste from landfills into renewable energy. This research, along with Texas’ reputation as an energy leader signals a path forward for the state to increase the use of biomass as a supplemental source of renewable energy.
This is one in a series of reports the Comptroller has prepared on energy in Texas.
See more information on energy Issues and the Texas economy.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.