A major US state just achieved a critical milestone for nearly two weeks: ‘It’s wild that this isn’t getting more news coverage’
A major US state just achieved a critical milestone for nearly two weeks: 'It's wild that this isn't getting more news ... The Cool Down
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California Sets Benchmark for Renewable Energy
California has set a benchmark for renewable energy, with wind, solar, and hydro providing 100% of the state’s energy demand for 25 out of the last 32 days (and counting).
“What happens to the grid with just #WindWaterSolar, when there is an #eclipse? Won’t the grid fail?”
No. Batteries kick in
This is the 25th day out of the past 32 that California #WWS supply exceeded demand for 0.25-6 h per day.
Nothing else is needed except to add more WWS https://t.co/N9LTK5xYfP pic.twitter.com/D1Q1MdLaN6
— Mark Z. Jacobson (@mzjacobson) April 8, 2024
Record-breaking Achievement
This data comes via Mark Z. Jacobson, a Stanford University professor of civil and environmental engineering. Jacobson has been updating his X (formerly known as Twitter) page each time the state reaches a record, which has been practically every day over the past month.
While California has hit 100% renewable energy before, for brief moments on exceptionally sunny days, this is the first time the state has sustained that success over an extended period.
Jacobson, for his part, is taking a victory lap. “This is getting so easy, it’s almost boring,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“It’s wild that this isn’t getting more news coverage,” Ian Magruder of Rewiring America wrote, responding to Jacobson’s post. “This has never happened before in history. Yes, California has briefly hit this milestone before on a few very sunny days since 2022. But never so consistently over a two week stretch.”
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals
California’s milestone is a big deal — in order to curb the massive amount of air pollution and planet-overheating gases produced by dirty energy sources such as gas and oil, we must replace those sources with clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind.
Achieving a Sustainable Future
Now, despite what misinformation from dirty energy companies might suggest, California has shown that it can indeed be done. Though California does still rely on dirty energy as well as clean energy to power its grid, Jacobson predicted that the state will reach its goal of being permanently 100% WindWaterSolar by 2035.
“In 2009, when we first proposed 100% [WindWaterSolar], the utilities and naysayers claimed the grid would go unstable with more than 20 per cent renewable energy, with no evidence,” Jacobson wrote on X, per Renew Economy. “In 2017, they claimed, with no evidence, a limit of 80 per cent. In 2020, they claimed 90%, then 95%. Now 100% WWS is here to stay.”
Conclusion
California’s achievement in reaching 100% renewable energy for an extended period is a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. It demonstrates that clean and renewable energy sources can power a state’s energy demand and contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. California’s success serves as an inspiration and example for other regions and countries to prioritize the transition to clean energy sources in order to create a sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses California’s achievement of using 100% renewable energy for an extended period. This achievement is directly related to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also contributes to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. Specific Targets Under the SDGs Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights California’s achievement of using 100% renewable energy, which aligns with SDG 7.2. This target aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Additionally, California’s transition to renewable energy contributes to SDG 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Percentage of renewable energy in California’s energy mix
- Number of days with 100% renewable energy supply exceeding demand
- Duration of time (in hours) that renewable energy supply exceeded demand
The article mentions that wind, solar, and hydro provided 100% of California’s energy demand for 25 out of the last 32 days. This indicates the percentage of renewable energy in California’s energy mix. Additionally, it states that the renewable energy supply exceeded demand for 0.25-6 hours per day, indicating the duration of time that renewable energy supply exceeded demand.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy in California’s energy mix |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | N/A |
| N/A | N/A |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thecooldown.com
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