At-a-Glance

California is leading the way on climate change efforts, setting a statewide goal of a carbon-neutral electric grid by 2045. The state recently set aside $200 million to fund two pilot projects designed to decarbonize buildings: the Building Initiative for Low Emissions Development (BUILD) program and the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (tech) program. To learn more, read “These two programs will help California reach its carbon-neutral goals.”

Key Takeaways

  • Almost 25 percent of California’s greenhouse gas emissions come from residential buildings.
  • BUILD program: focused on new residential construction projects, this program funds construction projects that don’t include gas hookups
  • TECH program: focused on existing buildings, this program replaces gas-powered hot water heaters and space heaters with electric technology
  • California also has major changes in store for its electric portfolio, including 25,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation over the next decade:
    • 11,000 MW of utility-scale solar photovoltaic
    • 8,900 of new short-duration battery storage
    • 1,000 MW of long-duration storage
    • 3,400 utility-scale wind, with emphasis on off-shore wind
    • Other clean firm fuel supplies, such as geothermal

Path to 100% Perspective

It’s no surprise that California continues to lead on the path to a 100 percent renewable energy future. These pilot programs designed to decarbonize new and existing buildings coupled with the major changes in store for California’s electric portfolio will certainly help the state reach its carbon-neutral goals.

 

Photo: Environmental Defense Fund