Texas has always been big — big land, big culture, big energy. But now, it’s about to get even bigger in the world of energy as one of the United States’ leading renewable energy companies, NextEra Energy, is considering doubling its $20 billion investment in the state over the next few years. This isn’t just a major corporate decision — it’s a signal of how Texas is becoming the epicenter of a power revolution that will shape the future of energy in America.

When we think of energy in Texas, the first image that comes to mind might be oil rigs and pumpjacks under a blazing sun. But that image is changing. NextEra Energy, headquartered in Florida but very much setting its sights on Texas, is riding a new kind of boom — a renewable energy boom — fueled by surging demand, abundant land, and a business-friendly environment.

At the recent CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Michele Wheeler, Vice President of Regulatory & Political Affairs for NextEra Energy Resources, shared that the company is actively exploring new land in the Permian Basin. While the Permian is famous as the world’s largest shale oil basin, it also offers ideal conditions for large-scale solar and wind development. This could mean turning a traditional fossil fuel hub into a cornerstone for clean energy production.

But it’s not all sunshine and wind turbines. The surge in demand, while exciting for growth, presents a daunting challenge for grid reliability. At the same CERAWeek panel, Wheeler joined executives from Google, Southern Company, and the chairman of the Texas Public Utilities Commission to discuss this tightrope walk.

Texas has already faced grid crises in recent years, most notably the 2021 winter storm that left millions without power. As more industries plug into the grid and the population continues to grow, the state must balance expansion with resilience.

This means investing not just in generation (like wind and solar), but also in energy storage, transmission infrastructure, and smarter grid technologies. Companies like NextEra, which also invests in battery storage, are at the forefront of this transformation. Their expanded presence in Texas could help accelerate these necessary upgrades.

If NextEra follows through on doubling its investment in Texas, we’re not just talking about new wind farms or solar panels. We’re talking about:

• Thousands of new jobs in energy construction, operations, and maintenance
  
  

• Billions in economic stimulus for rural communities, especially in areas like the Permian Basin
  
  

• A more diversified energy portfolio for Texas, making it more resilient to fuel price volatility and extreme weather events
  
  

• Cleaner air and environmental progress, as renewables replace carbon-heavy sources
  
  

• A model for the rest of the country, showing how a traditionally oil-dominated state can lead the clean energy transition

There’s a certain poetry to what’s happening in Texas right now. The same state that symbolized the fossil fuel boom of the 20th century is now becoming a beacon for renewable energy in the 21st. NextEra Energy’s massive — and possibly expanding — investment isn’t just good business. It’s a glimpse into what’s possible when innovation, policy, and market demand align.

For Texans, this could mean more than just lower emissions and higher reliability. It could redefine what energy means to the state’s identity and economy, blending legacy and leadership into a powerful new future.

Because truly — everything is happening in Texas!