The Lone Star State stands tall — not only in landmass, but also as the nation’s top energy producer. From oil and gas to wind-powered generation, Texas leads in energy innovation and drives economic prosperity. With its robust energy production to fuel Texas infrastructure, the state serves as a model of reliability and resilience in meeting the nation’s ever-growing energy needs.

Leading the Charge in Wind Energy

For 17 years and counting, Texas generates the most wind energy production in the United States, according to the state comptroller’s office. In 2022, Texas turbines churned out 40,556 megawatts (MW) of wind-generated electricity, constituting over a quarter of the nation’s total wind energy output.

In 2023, wind energy accounted for 28.6 percent of Texas’s energy generation, ranking second only to natural gas. The state is home to 239 wind-related projects and over 15,300 wind turbines, which is more than any other state.

The economic impact of wind energy in Texas is substantial, with the industry contributing $1.7 billion a year to the state’s gross domestic product. With wind electric power generation jobs offering an average annual wage of $109,826, the growing sector provides lucrative employment opportunities — now and in the future.

Looking ahead, the wind electric power generation industry is poised for significant expansion, with employment of wind turbine technicians projected to grow by 44 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unrivaled in Oil and Gas Production

Since at least 1970, Texas has consistently led all states in crude oil production. Today, Texas contributes 42 percent of the nation’s crude oil. The state’s 32 petroleum refineries — the most of any state — yield a refining capacity exceeding 5.9 million barrels of crude oil per day, which is equivalent to one-third of the nation’s total refining capacity.

Beyond its production capabilities, Texas plays a crucial role in national energy security through its strategic petroleum reserves, with two storage sites holding a combined capacity of about 417 million barrels of crude oil.

With an extensive infrastructure comprising storage facilities and pipelines, Texas extracts and distributes 27 percent of the nation’s natural gas. Nearly 30 of the nation’s 100 largest natural gas fields are located wholly or partially in Texas. Natural gas in Texas has a maximum energy generation capacity of 69,890 megawatts (MW) — almost more than the next two biggest producers (Pennsylvania and Louisiana) combined.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite challenges such as resource depletion and increased environmental regulation, the energy business sector in Texas prioritizes accessibility, reliability, safety, and affordability. With unparalleled resources, a skilled workforce, and commitment to excellence, Texas will remain a global leader in energy production for years to come.