California Sets 50% Renewable Energy Target

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--California has passed legislation that will see the state source 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The passage of Senate Bill 350--the Clean Energy and Reduction Act--also will increase energy efficiency in the state by 50% in the same timeframe. Championed by California Governor Jerry Brown, the bill has been welcomed by green energy groups. However, a third component of the bill that demanded a 50% cut in the use of gas in cars and trucks was struck down last week following intense lobbying from the oil industry.

"Taking carbon out of the modern economy requires heroic efforts and tireless struggle," said Brown after the bill passed. "SB 350, in both efficiency and renewable energy, ratchets up the California commitment. We have the technological means and now we have the legal mandate to reduce carbon pollution."

California's current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires utilities to supply 33% of their electricity generation from renewable sources, including wind, solar and geothermal, by 2020. Utilities are well on track to hit this target. The new bill will increase that target to 50% by 2030 along with a similar increase in building efficiency.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) praised the passage of the bill.

"The passage of SB 350 is a huge win for Californians, and solar power is going to be key in making this win a reality," said Sean Gallagher, SEIA's vice president of state affairs. "The industry, in response to the State's current RPS, and other leading California policies like net metering, has produced nearly 55,000 solar jobs in California and more than $11 billion a year in state investment, all while achieving dramatic cost reductions. Solar is now among the most economic energy options. Through the wise passage of this ambitious legislation, we look forward to more jobs and consumer benefits."

The group said that California is ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for installed solar capacity, with more than 11 gigawatts (GW), producing power for almost three million homes.

Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the 485-megawatt (MW) Blythe Mesa Solar project in southern California, one of the largest solar projects in the world. It is being developed by Renewables Resources Group (Los Angeles, California) and will be capable of powering about 180,000 homes.

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