News Summary
In 2023, California reached a significant milestone with clean energy sources making up 67% of its retail electricity supply. This increase from 61% in 2022 reflects the state’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. California aims for 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity by 2045, despite facing challenges such as high electricity costs and the need for improved battery storage. As the fourth-largest economy powered by clean energy, California continues to showcase achievements while addressing infrastructural and financial hurdles in the energy sector.
California Achieves 67% Clean Energy Milestone in 2023
California has set a new record in 2023, with clean energy sources accounting for 67% of its retail electricity supply, as reported by the California Energy Commission. This increase from 61% in 2022 and a surpassing of the earlier record of 64% set in 2019 demonstrates the state’s commitment to achieving a sustainable energy future.
The state’s clean energy portfolio includes a diverse range of sources: solar, wind, geothermal, large hydropower, biomass, and nuclear energy. These sources have contributed significantly to the state’s ambitious goal of reaching 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity by 2045, as outlined in a state law enacted in 2018 under former Governor Jerry Brown.
Recognition of Achievements
David Hochschild, the chairman of the California Energy Commission, characterized the achievement of reaching two-thirds clean energy as remarkable, noting that such a figure was once viewed as unrealistic. Governor Gavin Newsom has echoed this sentiment, acknowledging California’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy to operate on such a high percentage of clean power.
Electricity Costs and Public Support
Despite the advancements in clean energy, California residents face some of the highest electricity costs in the nation, with an average retail price of 31.77 cents per kilowatt-hour as of April 2023, nearly double that of the national average at 17.45 cents. Political critics have pointed to these soaring costs as a significant issue, even as clean energy initiatives remain popular among voters—66% of whom support the law mandating 100% clean energy by 2045.
Contributing factors to the high electricity prices include measures aimed at reducing wildfire risks and the financial burden related to necessary upgrades to utility infrastructure. Furthermore, the surge in demand for electricity, driven by the growing adoption of electric vehicles—which accounted for 25% of new car sales—places additional pressure on state resources.
Growth of Battery Storage
In response to the challenges associated with renewable energy, California has seen a substantial increase in battery storage capacities, growing from 1,474 megawatts in 2020 to 15,763 megawatts in 2023. This expansion aims to address the intermittency problems associated with renewable energy sources, but concerns have emerged over the safety of battery technology following a significant fire incident at a facility in Moss Landing. This has led to community opposition towards new battery storage projects.
Federal Pushback and Future Outlook
While California continues its push for clean energy, federal legislative changes have raised alarms within the industry. Recent cuts to tax incentives for solar, wind, electric vehicles, and other clean technologies may inhibit investment and hinder potential job growth within the state’s clean energy sector. California’s goal requires a projected need for 52,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2045 to satisfy increasing electricity demands and support its clean energy objectives.
As California navigates these challenges, the state’s success in clean energy development stands as a significant achievement, illustrating a commitment to sustainability while grappling with financial and infrastructural hurdles.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Mercury News: California Reaches New Record Clean Energy Milestone
- Wikipedia: Clean Energy in California
- Newsweek: California Hits Historic Energy Milestone
- Google Search: California clean energy milestone
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Newsom Boasts of California Clean Energy Milestones
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
- The Hill: California Power Grid Clean Energy Milestone
- Canary Media: California Waste Clean Energy Curtailments
- Google Search: California renewable energy 2023
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange 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 the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
