California celebrates 100 days of renewables supplying 100% of electricity needs (at least part of time)

California’s pro-clean energy policies have worked: for 100 of the last 144 days, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have consistently exceeded the state’s total electricity demand for at least a few minutes each day. This milestone provides hope that one day we can meet 100% of our energy needs from renewable sources all day long, every day of the year.

Goals Matter

One key lesson is that goal-setting policies matter. Laws like SB 100, enacted in 2018 and updated in 2022, set California on track to achieving 60% clean energy on the grid by 2030, 90% by 2035 and complete reliance on clean energy by 2045. In 2006, California set a goal of a million solar roofs. As of July, 2024, we have nearly two million solar systems on roofs.

Sunny days and more battery power

The state has grown battery storage by 1,250% over the last five years, complementing solar generation to significantly reduce reliance on gas. Batteries save solar power for later use, like after the sun sets, when we used to always have to fire up fossil gas plants which pollute the air and hurt public health.

As we increasingly shift our heating and cooling systems and our vehicles to be powered by electricity instead of oil and gas, generating 100% of our electricity from renewable sources will be even more impactful.

Rooftop Solar Power Slowdown Threatens Progress

Rooftop solar capacity was crucial to the state meeting 100% of its electricity needs from renewables for 100 days, and the potential for solar from rooftops is even greater, with approximately 90% of California’s rooftop solar potential untapped. Unfortunately, recent state policies have drastically slowed rooftop solar growth, cutting solar installations 80% in the last year. We’re urging state leaders to keep solar growing with updated policies for solar and batteries for homes, schools, highways, and the whole built environment. 

Gov. Newsom with Dan Jacobson at a recent celebration of battery milestone in California. The Governor has supported major progress on EVs, large scale batteries and offshore wind, but his administration’s policies on solar and batteries threaten a collapse without urgent action to turn it around.Photo by Staff | TPIN

California is now making strides in geothermal energy. Fervo Energy recently signed a deal with one of the state’s major utilities to supply 320 megawatts of clean power. That’s enough to sustainably power 350,000 homes with uninterrupted clean energy, further diminishing dependence on fossil fuel power plants.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum in California, with sales of new zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks doubling in 2023. These EVs now represent 1 out of every 6 new trucks, vans, and buses sold statewide. Across all clean energy sectors, with the right policies in place, California has been breaking records and achieving goals ahead of schedule. 

Heat Waves and Electric Homes and Cars Require Lots More Solar and Wind Power

This 100-day milestone finally arrived after more than two weeks of blistering summer heat waves across the state, where fossil gas plants were burning all hours of the day to meet energy surges driven by high air conditioning demands. The state was able to keep the power on everywhere but getting to 100% more of the time will require lots more solar and wind power, especially as we electrify buildings and transportation, dramatically increasing electricity demand statewide. 

Advocates and students celebrate “Renewables on the Rise” at UCLA this past year.Photo by James Rivas | Used by permission

What’s Next:

As California sees more extreme weather, heatwaves, and wildfires sweeping the state, our elected leaders must support policies needed to drive more quick renewable energy deployment so we can be on track to meet 100% of our energy needs from renewable sources every day of the year. California is proving that clean energy technologies work on a large scale. To continue making progress we must keep rooftop solar and batteries growing, invest in offshore wind infrastructure, and maximize our electric grid. By making proactive investments in clean energy, California can reaffirm its position as a global leader in the fight against climate change and the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. 

Photo by Crissy Field | TPIN