Th
e state set a new record in early April by producing 97.6 percent renewable energy, then on May 2, they were able to reach 99.9 percent. On May 8, a new record was set when renewable energy sources temporarily supplied 103 percent of the state's energy requirements (California breaks record by achieving 100% renewable energy for the first time - Earth Day).
California's path to being 100% clean powered was sustained with guidance from the government. The next important factor that helped attain the goal, was the positive feedback from the public. They did their best to contribute to the mutual goal. Another key to success was the implementation of many solar power plants on roofs and also the implementation of a few large 1 MW solar power stations on grounds.
Here was a place for innovation too: California implemented solar power plants on water canals.
Besides enlarging the renewable energy sources, California also took care of the preservation of the energy. The state has made significant investments and battery storage in California has already expanded 20-fold since 2019. Over the past 30 years, the cost of producing batteries has decreased by 97%, and this trend has been accelerating year after year, supporting these efforts.
Now, California has a new goal: to achieve 24/7 clean energy by 2045.
Solar, wind, and battery storage expansion projects will need to be created 3 times faster than usual for California to attain 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2045. In addition to the battery manufacturing trends mentioned above, the renewable energy sector is developing to make this aim attainable. Since 2005, the amount of clean power produced in California has tripled, partly as a result of improvements in renewable energy's cost effectiveness. The cost of renewable energy has decreased dramatically over the past ten years; solar and wind power are now 10 times more economical than they were previously, making them more cost-effective than any fossil fuel-burning power source.
We wish luck to California in attaining the new goal, and hope that other states can look up to this example and put more efforts into being sustainable.