The Present and Future of California’s Electricity Grid
California is one of the world’s largest economies in its own right – a population of 40 million generating $3.4 trillion in GDP, ahead of India and the UK. It’s a pioneer in the development of clean energy, generating about 23% of its energy from renewables in 2020, a long way ahead of the rest of the US.
On today’s episode, the Energy Gang welcomes Elliot Mainzer to the team for the first time; Elliot is the President and CEO of California Independent System Operator (CAISO), who are responsible for managing the flow of electricity that serves over 80% of California. Regular team member Melissa Lott, from the Center on Global Energy Policy, joins host Ed Crooks to examine the current state of energy in California and how it’s faring in the energy transition in comparison to the rest of the US.
How is it staying ahead of the technology curve?
Next up, the gang switches focus to the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, California’s single largest source of electricity, which is scheduled for closure in 2025. Amidst concerns about energy demand and replacement capacity not currently being met – a life extension for the plant has been proposed. What are the implications of this? What needs to happen in order to shut the plant for good?
Finally, California’s commitment to running on 100% renewable energy by 2045 – is that realistic? And what needs to happen to achieve it?
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free