With a combination of new wind and solar sources, investments in storage and energy efficiency and smart management of the grid, the Los Angeles Department of Power and Water (LADWP) can achieve a 100 percent clean energy system by 2030, according to a report by Synapse Energy Economics and Food & Water Watch.
“The science shows we must immediately transition away from fossil fuels and cities like Los Angeles can and must lead the way in addressing the climate crisis,” said Wenonah Haute, Food & Water Watch executive director. “Los Angeles is poised to become a national model for a clean energy transition that brings meaningful reductions in emissions and new economic opportunities.
The study compares a status quo scenario with two possible options: One that relies more heavily on utility scale renewables, and one that relies more on distributed renewable energy sources, like rooftop solar.
The research shows that the transition to an electricity grid fully powered by renewable energy can be accomplished quickly, without costing ratepayers more than they would otherwise pay.
Recently, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reached California’s 2020 renewable energy goal three years ahead of schedule, and now delivers nearly 80 percent of its electricity from greenhouse gas–free resources.
The company announced that 33 percent of its electricity came from renewable resources including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric sources in 2017.