Hydrogen Refueling Station In Costa Mesa Is Now Open
The California Energy Commission welcomed another new hydrogen refueling station to its network.
The Costa Mesa station, which is now open at 2050 Harbor Boulevard, provides Californians with the fueling options they need to consider replacing their petroleum-fueled cars with hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. Fuel-cell cars, like all-electric plug-in cars, do not emit smog-forming pollution. They help California reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the earth and change its climate.
The Energy Commission has provided funding for 49 stations. It is working to ensure as many of them as possible are open by the end of 2016 with plans to fund up to 100 for the initial introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles in the California marketplace.
Hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars are much quieter to drive than gasoline-fueled cars. Fuel-cell cars have about the same range – 300 miles – on a full tank and they can be larger than electric vehicles that rely on heavy batteries. Filling up a fuel-cell vehicle takes about three to five minutes and is similar to traditional gas cars that receive liquid gas.
California requires at least 33 percent of the hydrogen used by fuel-cell cars to be from renewable energy sources. Some stations will dispense 100 percent renewable hydrogen. Hydrogen refueling stations and vehicles are safe. They have been around for at least 20 years, supporting transit buses.
With transportation responsible for 37 percent of California’s greenhouse gases, zero-emission cars, such as hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars, can help California reach its climate change goals and reduce air pollution. That’s why the Energy Commission funds hydrogen refueling stations and electric vehicle chargers.
See the status and locations of these stations here.
Joint Agency Workshop Examines Ways to Commercialize Microgrids
The California Energy Commission hosted the first in a series of joint agency workshops aimed at developing a roadmap that will chart a path towards the commercialization of microgrids in California.
Microgrids are small-scale electrical systems that provide and manage power independent of the larger electric grid. They are used to support facilities with critical energy needs like hospitals, industrial complexes or university campuses. Many microgrids incorporate clean energy resources such as solar photovoltaics and can store energy using batteries and other technologies.
During the May 24 workshop, representatives from the Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Independent System Operator discussed how stakeholders including utilities, microgrid owners and manufacturers can help address barriers hindering the wide-scale deployment of microgrid technologies.
Commercializing microgrid technology to make it even more widespread and readily available will play an important part in helping California meet its clean energy goals because microgrids help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support grid reliability and facilitate higher levels of distributed generation.
The Energy Commission has funded several microgrid projects throughout the state including at Twentynine Palms Marine Base, the community of Borrego Springs near San Diego and the Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County.
To see more projects, visit the Energy Commission’s new Energy Innovations web page.
Hydrogen Refueling Station in Santa Barbara Expands Range Along Coast for Fuel-Cell Vehicle Drivers
The California Energy Commission welcomed another new hydrogen refueling station to its network.
The Santa Barbara refueling station, which is now open at 150 South La Cumbre Road, gives fuel-cell electric vehicle drivers a coastal option for traveling between Northern and Southern California.
At a recent grand opening, Honda brought its new Clarity fuel-cell car. The car maker plans to begin commercial production of the vehicle this year.
The growing network of refueling stations gives Californians the support they need to consider replacing their petroleum-fueled cars with hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. Fuel-cell cars, like all-electric plug-in cars, do not emit smog-forming pollution. They help California reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the earth and change its climate.
The Energy Commission has provided funding for 49 stations. It is working to ensure as many of them as possible are open by the end of 2016 with plans to fund up to 100 for the initial introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles in the California marketplace.
Hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars are much quieter to drive than gasoline-fueled cars. Fuel-cell cars have about the same range – 300 miles – on a full tank and they can be larger than electric vehicles that rely on heavy batteries. Filling up a fuel-cell vehicle takes about three to five minutes and is similar to traditional gas cars that receive liquid gas. California requires at least 33 percent of the hydrogen used by fuel-cell cars to be from renewable energy sources. Some stations will dispense 100 percent renewable hydrogen. Hydrogen refueling stations and vehicles are safe. They have been around for at least 20 years, supporting transit buses.
With transportation responsible for 37 percent of California’s greenhouse gases, zero-emission cars, such as hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars, can help California reach its climate change goals and reduce air pollution. That’s why the Energy Commission funds hydrogen refueling stations and electric vehicle chargers.
See the status and locations of these stations here.
California’s Next Frontier: Clean Electricity for Everything
By David Hochschild and Mark Ferron
Last winter, Californians witnessed the single worst accidental release of greenhouse gas emissions in American history when the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles County sprung a leak. Over the course of nearly four months, 5.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas spewed into the atmosphere, equivalent to the greenhouse gas pollution produced by more than 500,000 cars for a year. The Aliso Canyon leak raises questions about the long-term future for natural gas in California.
Given the threats posed by methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, and the aging and fragile key infrastructure like Aliso Canyon, what place should natural gas have in our energy future?
Californians can take pride that our state is the pace car in the race to a clean energy future. We get more than 25 percent of our electricity from renewable energy. The largest wind, solar and geothermal energy projects in the world are in California. Today, the largest manufacturing facility in the state makes electric vehicles.
With Gov. Jerry Brown’s leadership, new legislation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions further by ensuring we get 50 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
But now the time has come to take the next step and convert to clean electricity almost everything that is today powered by polluting fossil fuels. We should pursue this goal of electrification with as much vigor as we have invested in advancing clean energy.
We must map out, in a strategic and thoughtful way, a path to electrify almost everything from transportation to heating to industrial equipment and then transition our electricity portfolio to 100 percent renewables.
The good news is that the transition to electricity is under way. California has 200,000 electric vehicles on the road, more than any other state in the nation. In October, the first mainstream fully electric vehicle with a 200-mile range, the Chevy Bolt EV, will come to market at a price of $25,000, after federal and state incentives. Next year, Tesla will follow suit with its Model 3.
Battery-powered electric buses, too, are hitting the streets courtesy of companies like Proterra and BYD. High-speed rail, now under construction, will connect Northern and Southern California with trains powered entirely by renewable electricity.
Electrification can also reduce costs. California home builders such as City Ventures and KB Homes have begun building homes without gas lines, where gas central heating, hot water and stoves are replaced by electric appliances. By avoiding the need to install gas pipelines under the streets and inside homes, these forward-thinking builders are able to reduce the price of the home by $4,500.
Driving an electric vehicle saves money, too. Electric vehicles cost half as much per mile to drive as those powered by gasoline or diesel.
The benefits of electrification extend to the operation of the electric grid as well, where a virtuous cycle is created in which it becomes easier to manage electricity demand the more of the economy converts to electricity. For example, electric vehicle charging can be optimized to align with the times during the day when renewable energy generation is greatest. In this way, electrifying transportation and buildings creates a natural shock absorber to soak up and smooth out the intermittency of renewable electricity supply.
Such a transformation from fossil fuel dependency to electricity powered by renewables is not going to happen overnight. It will require California to pursue a “silver buckshot” rather than a “silver bullet” approach in which we begin to make full use of clean energy generation, invest in energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and smart technology to control energy demand.
Electric technologies from cars to trains to appliances are of a higher quality than ever before, and the cost of wind and solar power has declined by almost 60 percent since 2010. Meanwhile, in part due to the natural gas disasters at Aliso Canyon and San Bruno, the retail price of natural gas is expected to rise. PG&E plans to increase gas rates for customers by 11 percent next year and rate increases for gas customers around the state are likely as well.
The time has come to begin the next chapter in our journey, accelerate innovation and build a clean energy infrastructure that meets the challenge of our times. It’s time for California to plug in to the future.
David Hochschild is a commissioner at the California Energy Commission, the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Mark Ferron is a member of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator, which manages California’s high-voltage electricity grid.
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This commentary was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle on May 20, 2016.
Last winter, Californians witnessed the single worst accidental release of greenhouse gas emissions in American history when the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles County sprung a leak. Over the course of nearly four months, 5.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas spewed into the atmosphere, equivalent to the greenhouse gas pollution produced by more than 500,000 cars for a year. The Aliso Canyon leak raises questions about the long-term future for natural gas in California.
Given the threats posed by methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, and the aging and fragile key infrastructure like Aliso Canyon, what place should natural gas have in our energy future?
Californians can take pride that our state is the pace car in the race to a clean energy future. We get more than 25 percent of our electricity from renewable energy. The largest wind, solar and geothermal energy projects in the world are in California. Today, the largest manufacturing facility in the state makes electric vehicles.
With Gov. Jerry Brown’s leadership, new legislation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions further by ensuring we get 50 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
But now the time has come to take the next step and convert to clean electricity almost everything that is today powered by polluting fossil fuels. We should pursue this goal of electrification with as much vigor as we have invested in advancing clean energy.
We must map out, in a strategic and thoughtful way, a path to electrify almost everything from transportation to heating to industrial equipment and then transition our electricity portfolio to 100 percent renewables.
The good news is that the transition to electricity is under way. California has 200,000 electric vehicles on the road, more than any other state in the nation. In October, the first mainstream fully electric vehicle with a 200-mile range, the Chevy Bolt EV, will come to market at a price of $25,000, after federal and state incentives. Next year, Tesla will follow suit with its Model 3.
Battery-powered electric buses, too, are hitting the streets courtesy of companies like Proterra and BYD. High-speed rail, now under construction, will connect Northern and Southern California with trains powered entirely by renewable electricity.
Electrification can also reduce costs. California home builders such as City Ventures and KB Homes have begun building homes without gas lines, where gas central heating, hot water and stoves are replaced by electric appliances. By avoiding the need to install gas pipelines under the streets and inside homes, these forward-thinking builders are able to reduce the price of the home by $4,500.
Driving an electric vehicle saves money, too. Electric vehicles cost half as much per mile to drive as those powered by gasoline or diesel.
The benefits of electrification extend to the operation of the electric grid as well, where a virtuous cycle is created in which it becomes easier to manage electricity demand the more of the economy converts to electricity. For example, electric vehicle charging can be optimized to align with the times during the day when renewable energy generation is greatest. In this way, electrifying transportation and buildings creates a natural shock absorber to soak up and smooth out the intermittency of renewable electricity supply.
Such a transformation from fossil fuel dependency to electricity powered by renewables is not going to happen overnight. It will require California to pursue a “silver buckshot” rather than a “silver bullet” approach in which we begin to make full use of clean energy generation, invest in energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and smart technology to control energy demand.
Electric technologies from cars to trains to appliances are of a higher quality than ever before, and the cost of wind and solar power has declined by almost 60 percent since 2010. Meanwhile, in part due to the natural gas disasters at Aliso Canyon and San Bruno, the retail price of natural gas is expected to rise. PG&E plans to increase gas rates for customers by 11 percent next year and rate increases for gas customers around the state are likely as well.
The time has come to begin the next chapter in our journey, accelerate innovation and build a clean energy infrastructure that meets the challenge of our times. It’s time for California to plug in to the future.
David Hochschild is a commissioner at the California Energy Commission, the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Mark Ferron is a member of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator, which manages California’s high-voltage electricity grid.
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This commentary was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle on May 20, 2016.
Subnational Governments to Focus on Advancing Clean Energy
Building on the momentum from the climate agreement in Paris, subnational governments are gathering for the first Subnational-Clean Energy Ministerial (Sub-CEM) on June 1 and 2.
Sub-CEM is open to minister-level representatives from subnational jurisdictions such as cities, states, provinces and regions that have signed or endorsed the Under 2 MOU. The Under 2 MOU is an agreement by subnational jurisdictions to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius, the warming threshold at which scientists say there will likely be catastrophic climate disruptions.
During Sub-CEM, attendees will listen to keynote speeches and participate in roundtable discussions. These discussions will focus on subnational efforts to develop renewable energy resources, policy strategies and actions to encourage the efficient use of energy in buildings and industry, policies to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, and coordination among the Under 2 MOU members.
The Sub-CEM gathering will occur alongside the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), an annual meeting of national energy ministers and other delegates from CEM member countries and the European Commission.
Both Sub-CEM and CEM build on the momentum from commitments made last year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris and in the Under 2 MOU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Under 2 MOU originated in 2015 from a partnership between California and Baden-Württemberg, Germany. While California emits around 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, the state is playing a leading role in broadening collaboration among subnational leaders and taking action to reduce emissions worldwide.
The gatherings provide the opportunity for attendees to exchange information and collaborate on solutions that advance clean energy on a global scale and demonstrate follow-up actions.
More information about Sub-CEM, including an agenda of events, can be found here.
Energy Commission Projects Deliver at State Scientist Day
During State Scientist Day, the California Energy Commission rolled out a pizza box that uses the sun’s energy to keep things – even a pizza – warm.
More than 2,500 school-aged children filled the Capitol grounds for the May 18 event. The 28th annual event, which is sponsored by the California Association of Professional Scientists, showcases how scientists, engineers and others are helping California meet its energy goals, prepare for natural disasters and protect public health.
The Energy Commission brings a variety of hands-on exhibits each year to help students learn more about renewable energy and how it works. Among this year’s featured exhibits was a solar oven made from a pizza box and a reflective surface. Energy Commission staff explained that on a hot, sunny day, temperatures in the solar oven can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit. That same concept, but on a larger scale, powers solar thermal projects which provide clean energy by concentrating sunlight.
The Energy Commission staff also displayed a diorama of an Advanced Energy Community where electricity demand is met through energy efficiency, renewable sources and energy storage. The diorama illustrated how Advanced Energy Communities serve as models for local governments that want to encourage sustainable development by using innovative technologies such as zero-net energy homes, which produce as much energy as they consume, and microgrids which can power critical facilities like hospitals during an electrical outage.
The Energy Commission was among more than a dozen state and private agencies that participated in State Scientist Day.
Energy Innovation Showcase Highlights Cutting-Edge R&D Projects
Each year, the California Energy Commission funds a portfolio of research and development projects that help California meet its energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
These investments help advance science and technology and drive clean energy innovation. Over the years, funding programs have created billions of dollars in energy savings for California ratepayers, supported the creation of new businesses and thousands of jobs, and attracted billions of dollars in private and federal investment to the state.
A new Energy Commission website, called the Energy Innovation Showcase, gives the public the opportunity to learn about research and development projects funded through the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program.
The EPIC Program invests about $120 million annually for technologies and approaches that bring clean energy ideas to market that benefit the ratepayers of California’s three largest electric investor-owned utilities.
The graphically visual webpage gives insight to the various projects, lists the award recipients and funding amount and explains how the project benefits ratepayers. Projects can be searched by location, by areas of support and by research topic. Visitors can also see what energy activities are trending.
The page also highlights the Energy Commission’s goal of increasing diversity in the energy sector and its expanded outreach to efforts to women, minority, disabled veteran, and LGBT communities.
For more information on EPIC funding projects, contact Lorraine Gonzalez at 916-445-5295.
Electricity Consumption was Modest in 2014 While Employment Grew Twice as Fast
California electricity consumption grew by a single percent in 2014, while other economic indicators saw a more significant uptick, according to the most recent data on statewide energy demand.
The findings, published in the California Energy Commission’s most recent Tracking Progress report, demonstrate that Californians are continuing to achieve energy savings while other factors have increased.
In 2014, statewide electricity consumption grew a less than 1 percent from the previous year to 281,916 gigawatt hours. Employment increased more than twice as much, by 2.3 percent, during the same period.
During the first 15 years of the 21st century, job growth outpaced electricity consumption. From 2000 to 2014, employment grew 8.4 percent, while electricity consumption rose by 7.5 percent. California’s gross state product grew by 27 percent during the same period, which is more than three times as fast as electricity growth California’s population increased from about 34 million people in 2000 to 38.8 million in 2014.
The Tracking Progress report highlights information from the revised 10-year forecast for electricity demand. The California Energy Demand 2016-2026, Revised Electricity Forecast predicted energy use going forward would be at a slightly slower rate than previously forecast. The slower growth rate reflects a drop in consumption as well as higher self-generation, particularly from electricity generated by rooftop solar systems.
The findings, published in the California Energy Commission’s most recent Tracking Progress report, demonstrate that Californians are continuing to achieve energy savings while other factors have increased.
In 2014, statewide electricity consumption grew a less than 1 percent from the previous year to 281,916 gigawatt hours. Employment increased more than twice as much, by 2.3 percent, during the same period.
During the first 15 years of the 21st century, job growth outpaced electricity consumption. From 2000 to 2014, employment grew 8.4 percent, while electricity consumption rose by 7.5 percent. California’s gross state product grew by 27 percent during the same period, which is more than three times as fast as electricity growth California’s population increased from about 34 million people in 2000 to 38.8 million in 2014.
The Tracking Progress report highlights information from the revised 10-year forecast for electricity demand. The California Energy Demand 2016-2026, Revised Electricity Forecast predicted energy use going forward would be at a slightly slower rate than previously forecast. The slower growth rate reflects a drop in consumption as well as higher self-generation, particularly from electricity generated by rooftop solar systems.
Commissioner Janea A. Scott: A Queen of Electric Vehicles
The Coalition for Clean Air honored California Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott today as one of three “Queens of EV” at its 2016 California Clean Air Awards.
Two other women honored for leading the way to a clean car revolution on California’s roads: Christine Kehoe, executive director of the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative, and Eileen Tutt, president of the California Electric Transportation Coalition.
Scott is the lead commissioner on transportation and chair of the California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative, a public/private organization focused on accelerating the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles to meet California’s economic, energy and environmental goals. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. appointed Scott to the Energy Commission in 2013.
She helps oversee the Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program awards up to $100 million annually to leverage private investment to transform California’s vehicle fleet, including battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. The Energy Commission recently awarded $9 million to install DC fast chargers along California’s major north/south corridors such as Interstate 5.
Scott says driving electric vehicles, which are less costly to fuel and maintain than fossil-fueled vehicles, are “zippy” to drive because of their quick acceleration. She also appreciates how zero-emission vehicles are helping California achieve its clean air and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Scott is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee apprising them of California’s cutting edge technology and experience in building electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations.
Following Paris Climate Agreement, The Subnational Fight Against Climate Change Continues
While California emits around 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, the state is playing a leading role in broadening collaboration among subnational leaders and taking action to reduce emissions worldwide. By 2030, California will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels, the most aggressive goal in North America. By that same date, the state will increase the electricity derived from renewable sources to 50 percent, reduce car and truck petroleum use up to 50 percent and double statewide energy savings.
Furthering this leadership role of subnational governments in combating climate change, California will host the first Subnational-Clean Energy Ministerial (Sub-CEM) on June 1 and 2 in San Francisco.
Sub-CEM is open to minister-level representatives from subnational jurisdictions such as cities, states and regions that have signed or endorsed the Under 2 MOU. The Under 2 MOU, which originated in 2015 from a partnership between California and Baden-Württemberg, is an agreement by subnational jurisdictions to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius, the warming threshold at which scientists say there will likely be catastrophic climate disruptions. The Sub-CEM gathering will be occurring alongside the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), an annual meeting of national energy ministers and other delegates from CEM member countries and the European Commission.
The Sub-CEM will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on the role of subnational entities in accelerating the deployment of clean energy resources and ensuring the more efficient use of energy. Governors and ministers will have the opportunity to engage with each other as well as national energy ministers. They will have access to the clean energy technology showcase, featuring some of the world’s leading clean energy providers, and related trade and investment opportunities.
Both Sub-CEM and CEM build on the momentum from GHG emission reduction commitments made last year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris and in the Under 2 MOU. The gatherings provide the opportunity for attendees to exchange information and collaborate on solutions that advance clean energy on a global scale and demonstrate follow-up actions.
This year’s Sub-CEM meeting builds on the momentum from Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s visit to Paris last year, where he welcomed a total of 58 new signatories to the Under 2 MOU. So far, 128 jurisdictions representing 28 countries and six continents have now signed or endorsed the Under 2 MOU, representing more than 740 million people and $20.7 trillion in gross domestic product, equivalent to more than a quarter of the global economy.
Last year, Governor Brown also traveled to the Vatican in Italy, the United Nations in New York and the Climate Summit of the Americas in Toronto, Canada to call on other leaders to join California in the fight against climate change. Governor Brown also joined an unprecedented alliance of heads of state, city and state leaders—convened by the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund—to urge countries and companies around the globe to put a price on carbon. These efforts build on a number of other international climate change agreements with leaders from the Netherlands, Mexico, China, North America, Japan, Israel, Peru and Chile and Governor Brown's efforts to convene hundreds of world-renowned researchers and scientists around a groundbreaking call to action.
More information about Sub-CEM and how to get involved can be found here.
Hydrogen Fueling Station in South San Francisco Expands Network
The California Energy Commission welcomed another new hydrogen refueling station to its network.
The South San Francisco hydrogen refueling station at 248 South Airport Boulevard is now open, giving Californians the fueling options they need to consider replacing their petroleum-fueled cars with hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. Fuel-cell cars, like all-electric plug-in cars, don’t emit smog-forming pollution. They help California reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the earth and change its climate.
The Energy Commission has provided funding for 49 stations. It is working to ensure as many of them as possible are open by the end of 2016 with plans to fund up to 100 for the initial introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles in the California marketplace.
Hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars are much quieter to drive than gasoline-fueled cars. Fuel-cell cars have about the same range – 300 miles – on a full tank and they can be larger than electric vehicles that rely on heavy batteries. Filling up a fuel-cell vehicle takes about three to five minutes and is similar to traditional gas cars that receive liquid gas.
California requires at least 33 percent of the hydrogen used by fuel-cell cars to be from renewable energy sources. Some stations will dispense 100 percent renewable hydrogen. Hydrogen refueling stations and vehicles are safe. They have been around for at least 20 years, supporting transit buses.
With transportation responsible for 37 percent of California’s greenhouse gases, zero-emission cars, such as hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars, can help California reach its climate change goals and reduce air pollution. That’s why the Energy Commission is funding hydrogen refueling stations and electric vehicle chargers.
See the status and locations of these stations here.
Electric Vehicle Chargers Installed in Humboldt County Region
Ten level 2 charging stations that the California Energy Commission funded have been installed at nine locations in the Redwood Coast area, giving residents the infrastructure needed to buy zero-emission electric vehicles.
The installation was recently celebrated at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, where two electric vehicle charging stations are open for public use. This is the first set of chargers that will be locally controlled, affordable, and economically sustainable in the North Coast region.
Other charging stations were installed at libraries, museums, city halls, theaters, and shopping centers in Ferndale, Trinidad, Willow Creek, Fortuna, McKinleyville, Arcata, and Rio Dell. The project is supported by a non-profit electric vehicle infrastructure network that will help maintain the administration and operation of the chargers.
To date, the Energy Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program has funded more than 7,400 electric vehicle chargers throughout the state. Level 2 chargers allow drivers to fully charge depleted vehicles within four to eight hours.
California is committed to providing an infrastructure that will encourage motorists to switch from polluting fossil fuel vehicles to cars that don’t pollute, keep our air healthier, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that heat the earth to unsustainable levels.
The state's transportation system is responsible for 37 percent of California's greenhouse gases, which is why Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has set a goal of getting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025.
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority is experimenting with ways to ensure that zero-emission vehicle drivers are efficiently using the parking spaces where the chargers are installed.
State Officials Discussing Structure for Regional Grid Operator
State officials met to discuss the considerations for the development of a governance structure for a regional grid operator, which would manage the flow of electricity over a large interstate area.
The California Energy Commission and the Governor’s Office hosted Friday’s workshop, which was held at the California Environmental Protection Agency in Sacramento. Nearly 300 people attended the workshop, either in person or remotely by phone or web conference. The workshop provided a public opportunity to discuss various governance proposals that would transform the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) into a regional grid operator.
“In that transformation, it needs to respect California’s climate policies,” Energy Commission Chair Robert Weisenmiller said.
Senate Bill 350 provides for the evolution of the California ISO into a regional organization, but its governance structure would need to be modified. Transforming California ISO into a regional grid operation organization would help promote the development of regional electricity markets in the Western states. Such regional electricity markets may provide significant economic and environmental benefits, which will be explored in other SB 350 related forums.
The western Energy Imbalance Market is providing significant economic and environmental benefits. Earlier this week, the California ISO reported that the cost benefits of (EIM) were $18.9 million during the first three months of 2016, for total benefits of $64.6 million since launching in 2014.
The evolution into a regional grid operator could occur through additional transmission owners joining California ISO after approvals from their own state or local regulatory authorities. Government and industry leaders and other stakeholders in the western United States are looking at establishing a regional grid operator by expanding California ISO. PacifiCorp has signed a letter of intent to join the California ISO. Such an expansion of the California ISO will require that its current bylaws and corporate governance structure be amended and that the new structure be approved by the California Legislature.
State officials said the conversation about a regional grid is an important one, especially as more renewable energy is being incorporated onto the grid.
“We’re in a tremendously transformative moment in the electricity sector,” said Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas.
The workshop included a background on the California ISO’s governance and corporate framework, white papers on regional ISO governance concepts, and a roundtable discussion on governance concepts.
Stakeholders are asked to submit written comments by May 20. More information about the workshop, including documents and presentations, can be found here.
California Takes EPIC Steps Toward Energy Goals
Did you know California consumes almost $100 billion worth of energy annually? To help keep its electricity supply affordable, adequate, safe, and reliable while meeting its climate and energy goals, it has invested millions in innovative clean energy technologies and strategies.
Since 1996, the state has invested almost $900 million through various funding programs for clean energy research and development projects. California leveraged those dollars to attract more than $1.4 billion in matching funds.
One significant funding source is the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program, which was created in 2011 by the California Public Utilities Commission. The California Energy Commission administers the program. Last year, the Energy Commission approved 81 projects totaling almost $171 million.
The program’s goal is to provide more reliable, lower‐cost, and safer electricity to ratepayers. It supports that goal by funding leading-edge energy research and development projects that create or build upon clean energy solutions such as near‐zero-net energy buildings, state-of-the-art energy efficient businesses, sustainable bioenergy systems, the electrification of transportation, and developing technologies for the 21st century power grid.
EPIC also helps bring innovations to market by fostering the development of energy technologies into successful businesses, facilitating the inclusion of emerging clean energy technologies into large‐scale procurement processes, and accelerating the deployment of promising energy technologies.
Programs such as EPIC have helped California take the lead nationally in energy efficiency. The state has more renewable energy resources than many countries and has the largest fleet of hybrid and clean fueled vehicles on the road in the United States.
More about the EPIC projects can be found in program’s 2015 annual report.
Since 1996, the state has invested almost $900 million through various funding programs for clean energy research and development projects. California leveraged those dollars to attract more than $1.4 billion in matching funds.
One significant funding source is the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program, which was created in 2011 by the California Public Utilities Commission. The California Energy Commission administers the program. Last year, the Energy Commission approved 81 projects totaling almost $171 million.
The program’s goal is to provide more reliable, lower‐cost, and safer electricity to ratepayers. It supports that goal by funding leading-edge energy research and development projects that create or build upon clean energy solutions such as near‐zero-net energy buildings, state-of-the-art energy efficient businesses, sustainable bioenergy systems, the electrification of transportation, and developing technologies for the 21st century power grid.
EPIC also helps bring innovations to market by fostering the development of energy technologies into successful businesses, facilitating the inclusion of emerging clean energy technologies into large‐scale procurement processes, and accelerating the deployment of promising energy technologies.
Programs such as EPIC have helped California take the lead nationally in energy efficiency. The state has more renewable energy resources than many countries and has the largest fleet of hybrid and clean fueled vehicles on the road in the United States.
More about the EPIC projects can be found in program’s 2015 annual report.
Lawmakers Hear How Binational Partnership is Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
California Energy Commission Chair Robert Weisenmiller testified at the state capitol that California’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is having an impact across the southern border.
California represents only 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but its leadership demonstrates that it is possible to take action to reduce carbon emissions and grow the economy. California has special standing with Mexico, including a 2014 agreement signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the Mexican Ministry of Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell.
The agreement promotes cooperation between the two governments to implement programs in low-carbon energy, clean technologies, biofuels, and energy efficiency.
At Tuesday's legislative hearing, Weisenmiller said there have been several positive outcomes, including a visit to the Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute at the University of California at Berkeley that resulted in a $10 million contract from Mexico to support workforce training. The Energy Commission also has held multiple workshops, including a meeting to discuss technical issues about solar and geothermal development in the border region.
Weisenmiller said there are significant opportunities for California companies to develop partnerships to build projects in Mexico. Next steps will include identifying potential large-scale renewable energy projects near the border creating jobs for California and exploring expanding the Energy Imbalance Market to include parts of Mexico. The Energy Imbalance Market enables greater use of renewable energy, which helps decrease dependency on carbon fuels and stem the increase of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Energy Commission also hosts delegations from all nations to share California’s pioneering and innovative energy policies.
Outreach Conducted on 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
The California Energy Commission adopted the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which goes into effect January 1, 2017.
Single family homes built under these standards will use about 28 percent less energy for lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating than those built to the 2013 standards.
In collaboration with the California Lighting Technology Center and Energy Code Ace, the Energy Commission recently participated in a seminar at LIGHTFAIR, an international lighting technology conference for designers, architects, lighting specialists, engineers, and energy facility professionals.
The seminar offered insight to lighting measures in the current and upcoming versions of California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Energy Commission staff presented specifics on the standards, information on the details of the changes, and why updates were needed. Panelists answered questions about the standards and California's path to zero net energy.
Information on the standards, training, and implementation resources can be found here. Sign up and read past issues of the Energy Commission’s Blueprint Newsletter on the building standards.
Planning for More Renewable Energy
How much renewable energy is needed and where will it come from to meet California’s target of 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030?
Those questions and others were asked today at the latest workshop on the state’s Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative, sometimes called RETI 2.0 in reference to a similar effort implemented last decade to match transmission lines with the growing use of renewable energy.
Those leading the workshop, including California Energy Commission Chair Robert Weisenmiller, California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Picker, California Independent System Operator Chief Executive Officer Steve Berberich, Natural Resource Agency Special Assistant Saul Gomez, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management California State Director Jerome Perez, heard from staff that the information gathering process is continuing. Proposed recommendations are expected during the summer and fall.
Staff is currently assessing how much renewable energy might be needed, which resources might be important by 2030, how much renewable energy might come from different geographic areas, and how might this forecasted level of renewable energy require additional transmission capacity.
Of in-state resources, possible wind and solar could be developed near Tehachapi, Victorville and Barstow, eastern Riverside County, and the Imperial Valley. Geothermal also is a possible option in Imperial.
See materials from today’s presentation.