Renewable Generation Provides a Growing Share of California’s Electricity
U.S. Energy Information Administration, September 23, 2013
The combination of an aggressive state renewable portfolio standard,
continued federal tax credits, grants, and other support, along with the
implementation of a state greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade
program, has encouraged significant additions of renewable capacity in
California. These capacity additions, along with a particularly windy
spring, contributed to a record 26% of the generation in the California
Independent System Operator (CAISO) system coming from renewable energy
sources on May 26, 2013. Spring typically is the peak output season for
hydroelectric units in the West, which was particularly true in April
and May of 2012, when hydroelectric output increased significantly.
Similarly, the spring typically experiences the highest level of
generation from renewable sources in California because wind speeds
increase during this season. While the contribution of renewable
generation has been increasing, the role of nuclear generation has
dropped considerably since the shutdown of the two-unit San Onofre
Nuclear Generating Station in January 2012.
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