California adds record-breaking clean energy capacity in single year

California has made significant strides in its clean energy efforts, adding nearly 7,000 megawatts of new capacity to the grid in 2024. This marks the largest single-year increase in state history and continues a trend of unprecedented growth over the past three years.

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted this achievement, stating that California has added more than 25,000 megawatts of new resources to its electric grid over five years. This amount is roughly half of the state's record peak demand from 2022 and adds to existing capacity.

The rapid expansion results from procurement orders by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) aimed at enhancing grid reliability while advancing clean energy targets. CPUC President Alice Reynolds noted, "California has set ambitious clean energy goals, and utilities and community choice aggregators have stepped up to deliver clean resources to communities up and down the state."

Looking ahead, California expects more than 75,000 megawatts of new clean energy capacity by 2040. Currently, over 20,000 megawatts are under contract for development by 2030.

The state's efforts have also resulted in a decrease in pollution while boosting economic growth. Greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 20% since 2000 as GDP increased by 78%. Additionally, battery storage has surged by over 1,944% since Governor Newsom took office.