California’s Grid Operator Presents Vision For 50% Renewables In 2030
California already generates 5% of its electricity needs from the sun and boasts huge potential for even more solar power capacity. Recently, California Independent System Operator (ISO), the state’s operator for the vast majority of the state’s power grid, released a strategic vision designed to guide the state to its goal of generating 50% of the state’s power needs from renewables by 2030.
The high-level plan comes a few months after Governor Jerry Brown announced the state’s updated renewable power goal, one that offers many clean technology opportunities but also poses risks. Studies have suggested that after 2020, higher levels of renewables within California’s electricity portfolio could create more generation of electricity to a point that could overwhelm current demand. Such a scenario could lead to some reduction in the generation of power from sources such as wind and solar, which in the end would mean the state missed out on using renewable power at the most cost-effective rate.
The first strategy, according to ISO, would be a shift to more of a low-carbon grid. Electric vehicles, which have steadily caught on in California, are central to this transition. ISO calls for an increased adoption of energy storage technologies, which would help EVs consume surplus power when renewables are creating an excessive amount of electricity.
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Next, ISO seeks a long-term plan that would make the grid smarter and more nimble. Emerging technologies such as fuel cells and smart grid controls could help them function more efficiently during times when technologies such as solar power have an uptick in production during the day. Existing conventional power plants would be retrofitted to run at a minimal level during such quick changes in demand. Individual consumers and businesses would also be offered incentives that would motivate them to invest in technologies such as smart thermostats and control systems.
Finally, the ISO envisions a regional grid in which California can sell excess power or procure it during times of peak demand. Currently, over-generation from renewables largely results in those sources being switched off; instead, the ISO seeks an integrated grid where that excess power could be sold across state lines. The expansion of mechanisms including the western Energy Imbalance Market could reduce electricity costs while helping the western United States run a more efficient grid during times of peak and low demands.
“The strategic vision summarizes the opportunities and challenges facing California and the West in the ongoing transition to a low-carbon electric grid, through the integration of more renewable energy generation into our power mix,” said Richard Maullin, Chair of the ISO Board in a statement. “The vision statement emphasizes strategies for matching supply with energy demand and coordinating usage to match energy production, and the benefits of enhanced regional cooperation for assuring grid reliability along with carbon reduction.”
Image by Bureau of Land Management
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