Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: California

  • California — Lowest Wholesale Electricity Prices in USA

    California has achieved the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the US, with no blackouts since 2020, thanks to the success of solar, wind, and water power. WindWaterSolar has met over 100% of the California ISO grid's electricity demand for an average of 4.9 hours a day in 2026, showcasing the potential of renewable energy. Despite high retail electricity prices for other reasons, the abundance of cheap wholesale electricity from sources like sunshine, wind, and water is a key factor in keeping prices low. This renewable energy success in California is a significant win for clean energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/30/california-lowest-wholesale-electricity-prices-in-usa/

  • Beyond Washington: Nine examples of local governments taking climate action

    State and city governments across the United States are taking bold climate action, leading the way in renewable energy expansion, ecosystem protection, and regenerative agriculture promotion as federal leadership falters. California and Vermont have set ambitious goals for renewable energy sourcing, while Chicago is transitioning to clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2050. States like Oregon and Massachusetts are implementing innovative conservation and food waste reduction policies, aligning with the One Earth Solutions Framework to combat climate change. These local efforts demonstrate the tangible results of determined action and serve as a blueprint for national and global climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of starting meaningful change at the local level.

    https://www.oneearth.org/nine-examples-of-local-governments-taking-climate-action/

  • 92 EV Chargers Installed At Bay Area Affordable Housing Community

    A new affordable housing community in North Fair Oaks, California has installed 92 EV chargers, including 76 Level 1 outlets and 16 Level 2 chargers, assigned based on residents' needs. The cost of the installation project was relatively small compared to the overall build project, and the chargers use clean, renewable electricity from Peninsula Clean Energy. This initiative showcases a practical and scalable solution for integrating EV infrastructure into affordable housing developments, contributing to the transition towards sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/29/92-ev-chargers-installed-at-bay-area-affordable-housing-community/

  • California regulators approve major Bay Area battery development

    The California Energy Commission has approved a 400-megawatt battery project in Alameda County, emphasizing the state's commitment to renewable energy goals and grid reliability. The project, known as the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System, will store excess solar electricity during the day and discharge it at night, aligning with the state's clean energy objectives. This utility-scale battery project is a crucial component of Governor Newsom's efforts to decarbonize the grid and integrate renewables, showcasing the significance of energy storage in advancing climate solutions in California.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/california-regulators-approve-major-bay-area-battery-development/

  • The grid is in better shape this summer. Thank solar and batteries.

    Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, have shown significant growth and contribution to the grid, overshadowing new fossil gas generation. Solar power, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset during peak summer demand, with batteries playing a crucial role in storing excess solar power for later use. The combination of solar and batteries has helped reduce the risk of blackouts in regions like California and Texas. The report emphasizes that renewables are cost-effective and can be built quickly, making them essential in meeting high energy demand during extreme heat periods. Overall, renewables, especially solar and batteries, are key solutions in reducing grid risk and ensuring reliable energy supply.

    https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/grid-better-shape-this-summer

  • REPORT: U.S. Adds 10 GWh of New Energy Storage Capacity in 1st Quarter, Best Q1 on Record

    The U.S. energy storage industry experienced a record first quarter in 2026, installing 9.7 GWh of new capacity and seeing a 32% increase year-over-year. By 2030, over 610 GWh of energy storage is expected to be installed, driven by the attractiveness of solar and storage due to their insulation from fuel price swings and increasing domestic production. Data centers, tech companies, and states like Texas, Arizona, and California are leading the surge in energy storage deployment, although federal permitting delays could pose a challenge. Additionally, in 2021, 515 MWh of residential storage was installed alongside C&I storage, with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) advocating for clean energy policies and job creation in the solar industry. SEIA, founded in 1974, collaborates with over 1,200 member companies to promote competition and growth in the solar and solar + storage industries.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/24/report-u-s-adds-10-gwh-of-new-energy-storage-capacity-in-1st-quarter-best-q1-on-record/

  • California Affirms 25 GW Goal For Offshore Wind, Trump Or Not

    California has 200 gigawatts of offshore wind potential, with a goal of 5 gigawatts by 2030 and 25 gigawatts by 2045. Despite Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind projects, federal judges have affirmed that work can continue on existing projects. Governor Newsom supports offshore wind development as a clean energy source for California. The Trump administration's halt to approvals for new onshore wind projects has put $50 billion in investments and 150,000 jobs at risk, with 150 projects impacted in Texas alone. Offshore wind stakeholders in California are still moving forward with plans despite federal energy policy changes, participating in the global industry and making strides in infrastructure investments and workforce training.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/offshore-wind-california-global-agreements/

  • 200 White Hot Toaster Ovens Are Storing Wind Power

    Antora Energy, a California-based startup, has developed a high-efficiency thermal energy grid storage system using specialized carbon blocks to store excess wind energy. Collaborating with biofuel firm POET, they aim to address wind power curtailment issues by providing a reliable, on-demand source of zero-carbon heat and power. Antora's thermal batteries offer a decarbonization solution that displaces fossil fuel use, with the system at Big Stone expected to be fully operational by October. By converting intermittent renewable electricity into a reliable source of energy, Antora Energy is contributing to the economic value and growth potential of wind power, despite challenges in the current political climate.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/22/wind-power-energy-storage-carbon-blocks-ethanol/

  • Who’s Afraid Of Electric Trucks?

    EV sales in the US have shown signs of a rebirth, especially in the electric truck sector, following the elimination of federal tax credits. Initiatives in Ohio, California, and Michigan are highlighting a growing focus on electrification in the transportation sector. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of new jobs in sustainable product research and development, with a focus on electric vehicles. Companies like Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, are making strides in the development and delivery of electric vehicles. Efforts in the seaport logistics field, such as the collaboration between Kempower and APM Terminals, are contributing to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 through electrification. Additionally, advancements in kinetic energy harvesting technology and the development of a more efficient Road Energy Production System are furthering sustainability efforts in various sectors worldwide.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/22/electric-trucks-us-autonomous-pickups/

  • Could California cozy up to China in floating wind?

    California's emerging floating wind industry has received advice from Mingyang, China's largest turbine manufacturer, to consider international technology. This collaboration could potentially lead to innovative solutions for harnessing wind energy in the state. By leveraging expertise from global leaders in the field, California can accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions and contribute to combating climate change on a larger scale. This partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing renewable energy technologies and achieving climate goals.

    https://www.rechargenews.com/policy/could-california-cozy-up-to-china-in-floating-wind-/2-1-1992629