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Renewable energy

California Achieves Historic Milestone in Clean Energy Generation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California's remarkable achievement in clean energy, marking a major milestone in the state's transition to a sustainable future. With 67% of its retail electricity sales coming from renewable and zero-carbon electricity generation in 2023, California becomes the largest economy in the world to reach this level of clean energy. This progress is a testament to the state's commitment to reducing pollution and promoting innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • California achieved a historic milestone in 2023, with 67% of its retail electricity sales coming from renewable and zero-carbon electricity generation.
  • The state added a record-breaking 7,000 megawatts (MW) of clean capacity to the grid in 2024, surpassing previous records set in 2022 and 2023.
  • California's greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 20% since 2000, despite a 78% increase in GDP during the same period.
  • The power sector is a significant driver of the decline in greenhouse gases, with emissions from electric power cut in half since 2009.
  • California boasts more than 500,000 green jobs and has 7 times more clean jobs than fossil fuel jobs.
  • Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, account for 43% of the power mix in 2023, up from 39% in 2022.
  • The state's battery storage capacity has grown to over 15,000 MW, a 1,944% increase since 2019.
  • California's grid regularly breaks solar generation peak record levels, with the latest solar peak recorded in late May exceeding 21,500 MW.

Statistics:

  • 67% of California's retail electricity sales came from renewable and zero-carbon electricity generation in 2023.
  • 7,000 MW of clean capacity was added to the California grid in 2024.
  • 20% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000.
  • 78% increase in GDP during the same period.
  • 50% reduction in emissions from electric power since 2009.
  • 43% of power mix from renewable energy sources in 2023.
  • 12% of power mix from large hydro in 2023.
  • 12% of power mix from nuclear power in 2023.
  • 21,000 MW of solar capacity installed to date.
  • 19,000 MW of behind-the-meter solar generation capacity.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of California
  • California Energy Commission (CEC)
  • California Public Utilities Commission

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