Why Texas and Oklahoma are the Best States for Wind Energy Careers
Wind energy has emerged as a leading contender in the race to replace fossil fuels.
Among the states in North America leading this transformation, Texas and Oklahoma stand out as the best places for pursuing a career in wind energy
Want to know why? We have compiled a reliable database of why these states are at the forefront of US wind energy, and why you as experienced technicians should consider a career in these states with Boston Energy.
Abundant Wind Resources
Texas:
Texas is the national leader in wind energy capacity, boasting over 33,000 MW of installed wind capacity as of 2023 – more than double that of the next highest state, Iowa.
The vast and open plains of Texas provide ideal conditions for wind farms. The state experiences high and consistent wind speeds all year round, particularly in the Panhandle and West Texas regions.
Boston Energy Wind Power Services currently have multiple opportunities for experienced Troubleshooters and Maintenance Technicians in these areas, at locations such as Coyote and Golden Spread windfarms.
The prime location of these windfarms, totalling over 90 onshore turbines and 320.5MW energy generation, ensures steady and consistent work for wind technicians. Find out more about our available roles in the heart of Texan wind on our vacancies page.
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma ranks third in the U.S. for wind energy capacity, with over 5500 turbines across 58 multi-turbine wind farms generating a total of 10,000 MW installed by the end of 2023. Oklahoma’s central location and topography provide strong wind currents, making it a prime spot for wind farm development.
Furthermore, the geographical advantage of Texas and Oklahoma sharing a border significantly enhances the ease of travel between multiple wind farms across both states.
This proximity allows for streamlined operations, efficient maintenance schedules, and better resource allocation for wind energy professionals. Technicians and engineers can move swiftly between sites, ensuring consistent performance and upkeep of the wind energy infrastructure across the region.
Job Opportunities and Industry Growth
The wind energy sector across both Texas and Oklahoma employs over 33,000 people, across a wide variety of roles essential to the industry’s growth.
From Basic Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, and Troubleshooters to office-based roles such as Project Managers and Data Analysts, the combined career pool across both states offers an array of opportunities for wind energy professionals in North America – and the best part? It’s going to get bigger as the demand for wind energy in the US grows.
Infrastructure and Technological Advancements
Texas and Oklahoma have invested heavily in their transmission infrastructure to support the integration of wind energy into the grid. The Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) initiative is a prime example, enabling efficient transportation of wind energy from remote areas to urban centres.
Furthermore, both states are home to numerous research institutions and companies working on industry-leading wind energy technologies, researching and developing wind turbine efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring they stay ahead of the curve with technological advancements.
For example, the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative aims at improving wind turbine efficiency, researching prime future locations for wind energy projects, as well as the long-term economic benefits of said projects – supported and funded by local universities and private enterprises.
This positive, proactive attitude not only helps to protect the value of long-term production of wind energy in Oklahoma, but it also indirectly secures opportunities for wind energy professionals in the state.
Community and Environmental Impact
The environmental and community benefits that renewable energy has brought to two historically fossil-led states can’t be overstated.
As a growing sector, wind energy projects in Texas have brought substantial economic benefits to local communities, including job creation, increased tax revenues, and lease payments to landowners.
Alongside this, the growth of wind energy in Texas is helping to offset carbon emissions and is working to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner environment.
In Oklahoma, the introduction of wind farms has worked to revitalise rural areas by providing new sources of income and employment. The state’s commitment to wind energy also aligns with broader environmental goals, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
In conclusion, their abundant natural resources, supportive policies, solid infrastructure, and growing job market make both Texas and Oklahoma ideal destinations for professionals in the renewable energy sector.
As the demand for clean energy rises, both states will remain at the forefront of wind energy innovation and development, offering exciting opportunities for those looking to make a meaningful impact in this ever-changing industry.
Our Wind Energy Jobs in the USA
Are you convinced yet? If you are an experienced wind turbine technician and want to learn more about how working in Texas and Oklahoma could boost your career, we can help.
By combining your skillset with our mission to provide high-quality wind energy support across Texas and Oklahoma, we will revolutionise the renewable energy landscape in the US, drive sustainable growth, and ensure a cleaner, greener future for our communities.
Contact our team at recruitment@bostonenergy.co.uk with your CV attached to get started, or visit our latest vacancies page to view our full range of opportunities in the wind sector.
References
- American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) – Texas Wind Energy
- American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) – Oklahoma Wind Energy
- U.S. Department of Energy – Wind Energy Jobs and Economic Development
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Wind Energy Data
- Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative