With California On Board, the Quest for 100% Clean Electricity Suddenly Seems Less Moonstruck

Clean energy continued its victory lap in California Monday when Gov. Jerry Brown inked legislation that would require 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2045, a move largely praised by microgrid industry leaders — with some cautions.

The bill (SB 100) was one of several clean energy initiatives passed by California lawmakers in recent weeks as they finished up the 2018 session. Some bills still await Gov. Brown’s signature, including SB 1339 that requires utility changes to support microgrids.

But it was SB 100 – the 100 percent zero-carbon electricity target – that most rocked the energy industry.

The legislation emerged out of efforts by a small but determined movement that has been pushing 100 percent clean energy worldwide since the early part of the century. Supported by the Renewables 100 Policy Institute, a non-profit formed in 2007, the movement seemed quixotic at first, attracting some islands, a few cities, Hawaii and small countries like Denmark, Scotland and Ireland.

But with California, the fifth largest economy signing on, the quest no longer looks so moonstruck. Where California goes, the energy industry tends to follow.

“Historically, bold moves by states have reshaped the marketplace over time. There is no question that the energy industry is watching every move that California is making..." Continue reading on Microgrid Knowledge.