California community choice aggregations achieve procurement milestone, secure 21+ gigawatts of new-build clean energy resources – PublicCEO

Report on California Community Choice Aggregators’ Clean Energy Procurement Milestone and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) has announced a significant achievement in the state’s transition towards sustainable energy. California’s Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) have collectively secured over 21 gigawatts (GW) of new-build clean energy capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This milestone represents a substantial contribution to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Progress Towards SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

CCAs are directly advancing SDG 7 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all. The procurement of 21,380 megawatts (MW) of clean energy is a direct investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.

• Total Capacity Secured: 21,380 MW through 389 long-term PPAs.
• Renewable Energy Portfolio: Over 11,500 MW of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
• Energy Storage Capacity: More than 9,600 MW of energy storage, crucial for grid reliability and a 24/7 carbon-free energy supply.
• Operational Projects: 138 clean energy projects are currently operational, delivering over 9,700 MW to more than 15 million customers.

Financial mechanisms are being leveraged to maintain affordability. Through the California Community Choice Financing Authority (CCCFA), CCAs have issued $23 billion in green bonds, generating approximately $150 million in annual savings for customers.

Impact on SDG 8 and SDG 9: Economic Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure

The large-scale procurement by CCAs stimulates economic growth and promotes innovation in sustainable infrastructure, aligning with the objectives of SDG 8 and SDG 9.

Economic Contributions (SDG 8)

1. Capital Investment: Over $48.4 billion invested in the construction and operation of clean energy facilities.
2. Job Creation: Support for more than 48,000 construction jobs, fostering decent work and economic development in communities across California and neighboring states.

Infrastructure and Innovation (SDG 9)

• Energy Storage Innovation: Energy storage procurement grew by over 20% in the last year, utilizing diverse technologies like lithium-ion, vanadium redox flow batteries, and compressed air to enhance grid resilience.
• Hybrid Projects: A significant portion of new projects are “hybridized,” co-locating renewable generation with energy storage. A notable example is the Gonzaga Ridge Wind Farm, the first wind-storage hybrid PPA in the CCA portfolio, pairing 147.5 MW of wind power with 50 MW of battery storage.

Commitment to SDG 11 and SDG 13: Sustainable Communities and Climate Action

By empowering local communities and aggressively pursuing a carbon-free energy portfolio, CCAs are making critical contributions to building sustainable cities and taking urgent action to combat climate change.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

CCAs serve over 15 million customers across more than 200 cities and counties, strengthening local resilience and providing communities with direct control over their energy sources. This community-driven model ensures that the benefits of the clean energy transition are localized.

Climate Action (SDG 13)

The procurement strategy of CCAs is a direct response to the climate crisis. By securing a vast portfolio of renewable energy, CCAs are not only meeting but often exceeding state-mandated goals for renewable energy and reliability. According to analysis by Energy + Environmental Economics (E3), CCA portfolios already surpass the state’s 2030 Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, positioning them as leaders in California’s decarbonization efforts.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The entire article focuses on the procurement of clean energy resources by California’s Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs). It details the milestone of securing “21,380 MW of new solar, wind, geothermal, energy storage, and demand response resources,” which directly contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights the economic impact of these clean energy projects, mentioning “more than $48.4 billion in investments” and the creation of jobs, specifically the “support for more than 48,000 construction jobs.” This connects the transition to clean energy with sustainable economic growth and employment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The development of a “more reliable, affordable grid” and “cutting-edge storage” technologies is a central theme. The article discusses building resilient infrastructure through 389 long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and innovative projects like the “Gonzaga Ridge Wind Farm,” which pairs wind power with battery storage, fostering sustainable industrialization.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The CCAs serve “more than 15 million customers… across 200+ cities and counties,” making cities and communities more sustainable by providing them with clean energy. The effort aims to strengthen “local resilience,” which is a key component of creating inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The shift from traditional energy sources to a massive portfolio of clean and renewable energy is a direct measure to combat climate change and its impacts. The article states that these procurement strategies help meet and exceed state goals like the “renewables portfolio standard/SB 350,” demonstrating concrete action to address climate change.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” The article directly addresses this by reporting that CCAs have secured “over 11,500 MW of renewable energy” and that their portfolios “already exceed the 2030 RPS targets.”
   • Target 7.a: “By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.” The article highlights significant financial mobilization with “more than $48.4 billion in investments” and the use of “innovative green bond prepayment financing” to fund clean energy infrastructure.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The focus on “cutting-edge storage,” “hybridized” projects, and a diverse portfolio of “solar, wind, geothermal, energy storage” reflects technological upgrading and innovation in the energy sector.
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all…” The article provides a direct link by stating the projects provide “support for more than 48,000 construction jobs.”
3. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being…” The article’s central theme is building a “more reliable, affordable grid” and strengthening “local resilience” through new clean energy projects and over “9,600 MW of energy storage.”
   • Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure… with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies…” The procurement of “21,380 MW of new-build clean energy” is a direct example of upgrading infrastructure with clean technologies.
4. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities…” By providing clean energy to “200+ cities and counties,” the CCAs are directly helping to reduce the environmental footprint of these urban and community areas.
   • Target 11.b: “…implement integrated policies and plans towards… mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters…” The article emphasizes building a “resilient, 24/7 carbon-free grid” and strengthening “local resilience,” which aligns with this target.
5. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.” The article notes that the CCAs’ actions help “meet and, in many cases, exceed state goals (mid-term reliability, renewables portfolio standard/SB 350),” showing how local actions are integrated into broader climate policy.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Total clean energy capacity secured: 21,380 MW. This measures the scale of the transition to clean energy (Indicator for Target 7.2).
• Investment in clean energy: More than $48.4 billion. This quantifies the financial commitment to sustainable infrastructure (Indicator for Target 7.a).
• Jobs supported: More than 48,000 construction jobs. This measures the economic and social co-benefits of the energy transition (Indicator for Target 8.5).
• Number of clean energy projects: 138 operational projects and 389 long-term PPAs. This indicates the progress in building new infrastructure (Indicator for Target 9.1).
• Energy storage capacity: More than 9,600 MW. This is a specific indicator of grid resilience and technological advancement (Indicator for Targets 9.1 and 11.b).
• Population served: More than 15 million customers in over 200 cities and counties. This indicates the reach and impact on communities (Indicator for Target 11.6).
• Financing mechanisms: $23 billion in prepayment bonds issued. This is an indicator of innovative financial models supporting clean energy (Indicator for Target 7.a).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: publicceo.com