Texas power disaster may be strongest case yet for renewableAs millions of people in Texas lost heat and electricity during a historic cold snap early this week, the future of renewable energy in the large-and-growing state and elsewhere drew fresh scrutiny, aided by images of ice-caked wind turbines. But to blame renewables at a time when they need more, not less, of the nations power system to modernize is short-sighted, especially as more extreme weather due to climate change is likely, said energy analysts. For starters, the blame for the Texas power crunch, at least according to early readouts from Texas utilities officials, and backed by analysts, was multifold. That fact alone should energize the pursuit of a diverse energy portfolio and upgraded grid to help the U.S. rein in emissions contributing to global warming and keep energy relatively low-cost, especially for vulnerable communities. The dangerous situations in Texas and Oklahoma underscore the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to make transformational investments in our countrys infrastructure, including the electricity grid, said Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power. Climate Power, initially called Climate Power 2020 because of its then focus on the 2020 election, is a policy project created by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Politicians and industry leaders loyal to fossil fuels made their case against renewables this week by leveraging the fact that wind is an energy source, like solar, that requires planning for intermittent generation. Meaning: Its not entirely reliable, all of the time. They doubled down on their assertion that fuel sources including natural gas will have to feature alongside wind, solar, nuclear and other options even as the U.S. tackles climate change and as states including Texas embrace more renewables. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/texas-power-disaster-may-be-strongest-case-yet-for-renewable-energy-11613526470