California achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy, marking the 100th day since March 8 when the state's electricity demand was fully met by renewable energy sources for a portion of the day. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power supplied 100% of the state's electricity needs for durations ranging from a few minutes to as long as 10 hours on these days. This achievement was highlighted by Mark Jacobson, a professor at Stanford University, who has been tracking the state's progress in renewable energy and announced the milestone on social media platform X.
"This remarkable milestone in California is proof for our nation and the world that clean energy is more than capable of fulfilling our electricity needs," said Steven King, Clean Energy Advocate for Environment California. “The days that renewable energy sources power 100% of the electric grid are becoming more common by the month. Someday soon, solar and wind power will provide 100% of our energy needs all day, every day.”
California set a precedent in 2018 by becoming the first state to commit to 100% clean energy. Since then, 12 other states have made similar pledges with varying timelines. California, along with Hawaii, Washington, and New Mexico, aims to reach this goal by 2045. Meanwhile, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, Oregon, and Michigan target 2040, with Rhode Island and Vermont aiming for 2033 and 2035, respectively. California has set interim targets, requiring utilities to generate 90% of their energy from clean technologies by 2035 and 95% by 2040.
"We hope this achievement in California will encourage every state to get on board with 100% renewable energy," said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America. “California proves that clean energy technologies can work on a massive scale. If we continue to connect more installations to batteries that can store clean power through the night and increase the amount of offshore wind turbines and solar panels on rooftops, I’m confident that we can do away with polluting fossil fuels that wreak havoc on our environment and health.”
Despite this progress, challenges remain. During heat waves in July, fossil fuel plants were needed to meet the state's electricity demand continuously. To achieve the goal of 100% clean energy, California will need to further expand its deployment of renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, onshore and offshore wind turbines, hydroelectric power, and energy storage systems.
Environment America recently hosted a webinar featuring a discussion with Professor Jacobson about California's renewable energy progress and future challenges, providing insights into the state's strategies for achieving its clean energy goals.
