‘Unprecedented’ energy record shows future of clean power, expert says

California Sets New Renewables Record, Exceeding 100% Grid Demand with Clean Energy Sources

California has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy, surpassing 100% of grid demand with clean energy sources for 30 out of the past 38 days. This achievement is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

Data from California Independent System Operator (CAISO)

New data from California Independent System Operator (CAISO) reveals that supply from geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind sources exceeded demand for a range of 0.25-6 hours per day for more than three quarters of the days since the start of March. This sustained period of drawing all electricity needs from wind-water-solar (WWS) sources is unprecedented in California’s history.

Impressive Figures

Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University, shared the figures and stated, “In previous years, WWS supply exceeded demand occasionally on one weekend day, but never two days in a row and never during the week, and never to the magnitude that is now, up to 122% of demand.”

Uninterrupted Renewable Electricity Production

The production of electricity from renewables was so strong that not even a partial solar eclipse interrupted the run earlier this month. This achievement is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs.

California’s Success and Future Plans

As the fifth largest economy in the world, California is the largest state to achieve such success. However, it only ranked 12th in the US last year for producing WWS electricity relative to consumption. California plans to add 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035, aiming to transition away from polluting energy sources over the next decade.

Global Renewable Energy Trends

Professor Jacobson noted that the trend is not unique to California. Several other states in the US, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington State, and Wyoming, are also producing over 56% of their electricity from renewable sources. This aligns with the global efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Continued Progress Towards 100% Renewable Energy

Professor Jacobson expressed optimism about the future, stating, “This is getting so easy, it’s almost boring. Just need offshore wind and more solar and batteries to get to 100% 24/7.” The pursuit of 100% renewable energy aligns with the SDGs and is crucial for addressing climate change.

International Progress in Renewable Energy

Recently published research from Professor Jacobson shows that five countries – Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, and Paraguay – are already meeting all of their energy needs from renewable sources. Additionally, nine other countries produce more than 90% of their energy from renewables. This global progress is a positive step towards achieving the SDGs.

Renewable Energy Trends Worldwide

In the UK, it was reported in March that renewable energy overtook gas for the first time this winter. Furthermore, a January report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that the world added 50% more renewable energy in 2023 than in 2022. These trends demonstrate the global commitment to sustainable development and the SDGs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Analysis

The article discusses California’s achievement of exceeding 100% of grid demand with clean energy sources for 30 of the past 38 days. This achievement is directly connected to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The specific target under SDG 7 that can be identified is Target 7.2, which aims to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article mentions that California drew all of its electricity needs from wind-water-solar (WWS) sources for a sustained period of time, indicating progress towards this target.

The article also highlights California’s plan to add 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035 to transition away from polluting energy sources. This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The specific target under SDG 13 that can be identified is Target 13.2, which calls for the integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. California’s plan to increase renewable energy capacity demonstrates progress towards this target.

The indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption and Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. These indicators can be used to track the share of renewable energy in California’s total energy consumption and the country’s efforts to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: independent.co.uk

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