popular articles

California: a 10.6 GW plan to boost its energy capacity

California unveils an ambitious strategy to secure 10.6 GW of new energy capacity, including offshore wind, geothermal and long-term storage, to support its 2045 climate goals.

Please share:

The *California Public Utilities Commission* (CPUC) recently approved a centralized clean energy procurement plan to secure up to 10.6 GW of new capacity.
This plan includes 7.6 GW of offshore wind, 1 GW of geothermal energy, as well as 2 GW of long-term energy storage capacity, part of which is dedicated to multi-day storage, essential for grid stability.
This centralized strategy, overseen by the *California Department of Water Resources* (DWR), aims to simplify and accelerate the deployment of these critical technologies.
The aim is to overcome current economic barriers through economies of scale, thereby reducing unit costs and improving the integration of these resources into the existing network.

Optimizing the Energy Mix and Financing

Based on this centralized plan, the CPUC intends to strengthen the state’s energy resilience by diversifying energy sources.
The DWR is tasked with leading the bidding process for the acquisition of these long-term resources.
The centralized approach aims not only to accelerate complex projects with long lead times, but also to ensure that these initiatives remain economically viable through carefully negotiated contracts.
One of the major challenges identified is the financing of these projects.
While the CPUC has provided mechanisms to avoid excessive cost increases for consumers, it is also considering diversifying funding sources beyond electricity bills alone.
This approach includes exploring additional private and public funding to ensure the long-term viability of the project.

Prospects for California’s Energy Future

The 10.6 GW plan is part of California’s broader strategy to achieve 100% clean energy production by 2045.
By setting clear targets for offshore wind and other technologies, California is positioning itself as a leader in energy innovation.
The DWR, as the central entity, is responsible for ensuring that these projects achieve their objectives on schedule, while respecting economic and technical constraints.
In addition, the CPUC recently approved several legislative measures to simplify approval procedures for solar and wind power projects, which should speed up their implementation.
In addition, the signing of a USD 12.6 billion agreement by the US Department of Energy for the creation of a hydrogen hub in California shows that the state is continuing to strengthen its clean energy reserves, confirming its commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.
The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
With several mining projects recently funded, Brazil is strengthening its national strategy to exploit its rare earth reserves, amid sharply declining global prices and geopolitical tensions in this strategic market.
With several mining projects recently funded, Brazil is strengthening its national strategy to exploit its rare earth reserves, amid sharply declining global prices and geopolitical tensions in this strategic market.
The Canada Energy Regulator has approved, with modifications, the cost allocation methodology for friction reducers on the Keystone Canada pipeline system. South Bow GP (Canada) Ltd. will need to recalculate the tolls for 2020 and 2021 before final validation.
The Canada Energy Regulator has approved, with modifications, the cost allocation methodology for friction reducers on the Keystone Canada pipeline system. South Bow GP (Canada) Ltd. will need to recalculate the tolls for 2020 and 2021 before final validation.

Advertising