News Summary
California has achieved a remarkable milestone in clean energy, with 67% of its retail electricity supply coming from renewable sources in 2023. This achievement, reported by the California Energy Commission, reflects significant progress towards the state’s goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045. Despite challenges such as high electricity costs and changes in federal tax incentives, state officials celebrate this achievement as a crucial step towards a sustainable energy future. The growing adoption of electric vehicles also adds to the demand for clean energy solutions.
California has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable energy, with clean energy sources comprising 67% of its retail electricity supply in 2023. This achievement, reported by the California Energy Commission, marks an increase from 61% in 2022 and surpasses the previous record of 64% set in 2019. The state is on track to meet its ambitious goal of transitioning to 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity by 2045, as outlined in a 2018 state law enacted by former Governor Jerry Brown.
Clean energy sources identified in this milestone include solar, wind, geothermal, large hydropower, biomass, and nuclear energy. The achievement has been celebrated by state officials as a crucial step towards a cleaner energy future, with leaders noting that the idea of reaching two-thirds clean energy would have seemed unlikely a decade ago.
In addition to its clean energy achievements, California has also been recognized as the world’s fourth-largest economy operating primarily on renewable energy. However, the state’s progress comes with challenges, including relatively high electricity costs. In April 2023, California’s average retail electricity price was reported at 31.77 cents per kilowatt-hour, almost double the national average of 17.45 cents. This situation has prompted criticism from political opponents who argue that the costs are unsustainable for residents.
Despite these high prices, clean energy continues to garner strong support among California voters, with 66% of the population backing the law mandating 100% clean energy by 2045. The high costs of electricity can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing efforts to mitigate wildfire risks and necessary upgrades to utility infrastructure.
The state has seen a remarkable increase in battery storage capabilities, a crucial element for managing intermittent renewable energy sources. Battery storage capacity has surged from 1,474 megawatts in 2020 to 15,763 megawatts in 2023, demonstrating California’s commitment to developing efficient solutions for energy storage and usage. However, safety concerns have emerged following a significant fire incident at a battery storage facility in Moss Landing, prompting local opposition to new projects.
Demand for electricity in California is rising sharply, driven in part by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 25% of new car sales in the state. This growing demand places additional pressure on the energy grid and emphasizes the importance of effective energy management systems.
Despite the progress that California has made in renewable energy, recent federal legislation has rolled back tax incentives that previously supported clean energy initiatives. Cuts to tax incentives for solar, wind, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies have raised concerns within the industry regarding the feasibility of ongoing projects. These federal changes could impact investment opportunities and job growth in California’s robust clean energy sector.
Looking towards the future, California is projected to require approximately 52,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2045 to adequately meet its electricity demand and uphold its clean energy objectives. As the state continues to navigate its path towards a sustainable energy future, many challenges and opportunities lie ahead in achieving these ambitious goals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Mercury News: California Reaches New Record Clean Energy Milestone
- Wikipedia: Renewable Energy in California
- Newsweek: California Hits Historic Energy Milestone
- Google Search: California Clean Energy Milestone
- The Hill: California Power Grid Clean Energy Milestone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clean Energy
- San Diego Union Tribune: Newsom Boasts of California Clean Energy Milestones
- Google News: California Clean Energy News
- California Globe: Misleading Gov. Newsom Claims CA is 67% Clean Energy
- Google Scholar: California Clean Energy
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
