The Anthropocene Institute is proud to sponsor Dr. Leonard Rodberg's analysis of California’s efforts to decarbonize its electric grid under Senate Bill 100 (SB 100). This ambitious plan aims to achieve a 100% greenhouse gas-free electricity grid by 2045, in line with the state's goals to be a climate leader.
Utilizing a sophisticated hour-by-hour modeling tool, the identified the challenges of relying heavily on intermittent renewable power. Even with nearly $1 trillion in planned investments for solar, wind, and battery storage, the continued reliance on natural gas underscores the urgent need for a reliable, scalable, and emission-free resource.
The findings strongly advocate for lifting California’s moratorium on new nuclear installations. Nuclear power emerges as the only viable, scalable solution capable of providing the firm, dispatchable, and emission-free energy required to meet the state’s goals. By investing in nuclear, California can chart a path toward achieving decarbonization more effectively and cost-efficiently.
This research underscores a clear message: without a mix of diverse power sources, the vision of a truly sustainable energy future for California will remain out of reach. Our commitment to supporting actionable insights like these is driven by the belief that California’s leadership can inspire transformative change worldwide.
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