In a recently published paper by Edison International, titled “Countdown to 2045: Realizing California's Pathway to Net Zero,” it is underscored that achieving California's net zero goal by 2045 demands an unparalleled level of innovation across planning, policy, and technology. The report emphasizes the urgency of rapidly expanding the electric grid and integrating cutting-edge clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and vehicle-to-grid connectivity, well in advance of the 22-year deadline.
“Countdown to 2045” outlines the imperative need for an additional 90 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale clean generation, complemented by approximately 25 GW of utility-scale energy storage, along with more than 15 GW each of behind-the-meter solar and storage capacity.
See also: California State Senate Passes Bill to Boost Offshore Wind and Clean Energy Procurements
While Assembly Bill 1279 (AB 1279) has set forth a requirement for a feasibility evaluation by 2035, “Countdown to 2045” identifies several critical feasibility challenges that must be addressed expeditiously, even before 2035, as part of California's ongoing assessment of strategies to achieve its decarbonization objectives.
Conducting a meticulous examination of grid reliability, Edison International anticipates that the state must embark on an unparalleled pace of clean energy infrastructure development to meet its decarbonization targets safely and reliably.
Pedro Pizarro, President and CEO of Edison International, highlighted the significance of this endeavor, stating, “The stakes are higher than they have ever been for expanding the electric system to meet decarbonization goals safely, reliably, and affordably. While today's available technologies can achieve significant reductions, policies must encourage greater investment in emerging technologies and enable more options to meet California's net zero goal.”
“Countdown to 2045,” unveiled during Climate Week NYC, forecasts a substantial increase in electricity demand, exceeding 80%, with an ambitious goal of electrifying 90% of vehicles and 95% of buildings by 2045. These efforts are aligned with California's overarching mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 85% from 1990 levels.
