As we navigate the ever-evolving world of energy, one thing has become abundantly clear – the future is renewable. Gone are the days when dirty fossil fuels dominated the landscape. Now, a diverse array of clean power sources are joining forces to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for all.
Embracing the Clean Energy Revolution
I’ll be the first to admit, the sheer number of renewable energy options can be a bit overwhelming. But let me break it down for you – we’re talking about the heavy hitters like wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. These are the clean energy sources that are powering our communities and helping us reduce our carbon footprint.
One organization that’s leading the charge in this renewable energy revolution is Sonoma Clean Power. As your local public power provider, they understand the immense value of clean air and the impact it has on our communities, both now and for future generations. That’s why they’ve made it their mission to contract for energy from a diverse array of clean sources.
Sonoma Clean Power’s Renewable Energy Mix
When you sign up with Sonoma Clean Power, you’re automatically benefiting from their CleanStart service, which is an impressive 88% carbon-free. This diverse power mix includes:
- 51% renewable electricity from sources like wind, solar, and geothermal
- 36% carbon-free large hydroelectric power
- 12% general system power
But if you really want to go all-in on the renewable revolution, Sonoma Clean Power’s EverGreen service delivers 100% local renewable electricity. This power mix is composed of:
- 88% geothermal energy
- 12% solar power
Powering Local Renewable Energy Projects
Sonoma Clean Power isn’t just about purchasing renewable energy – they’re actively investing in local projects to generate their own clean power. Their ProFIT (Profitable Feed-In Tariff) program is a fully subscribed initiative that’s bringing renewable energy right to the heart of Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
Since launching their first ProFIT project in 2018, Sonoma Clean Power has been steadily building up their local renewable energy portfolio. Their most recent addition is a 1 MW solar project that’s now powering 300 EverGreen homes. With over 4,060 solar panels generating clean energy, this project has transformed the town of Willits into Mendocino County’s first local solar project.
The Path to 100% Clean Electricity by 2035
While Sonoma Clean Power is leading the charge in their local communities, the push for nationwide 100% clean electricity by 2035 is gaining momentum. A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has outlined multiple pathways to achieve this ambitious goal.
The NREL study, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, modeled various scenarios to decarbonize the U.S. power sector by 2035. Their findings are nothing short of remarkable:
- Wind and solar energy are projected to provide 60-80% of generation in the least-cost electricity mix by 2035.
- Total generation capacity is expected to grow to roughly three times the 2020 level by 2035, including a combined 2 terawatts of wind and solar.
- Hydropower and geothermal capacity are also set to increase significantly, with 58 gigawatts of new hydropower and 35 gigawatts of new geothermal deployed by 2035.
- Energy storage will play a crucial role, with 120-350 gigawatts of diurnal storage and 100-680 gigawatts of seasonal storage added to the grid by 2035.
The Challenges and Benefits of a 100% Clean Grid
Achieving a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035 is no small feat, and the NREL study highlights the significant challenges that must be overcome. Rapid and sustained growth in renewable energy installations, advancements in energy storage technology, and massive investments in transmission infrastructure are all essential pieces of the puzzle.
However, the potential benefits far outweigh the costs. The study estimates that the health and climate benefits associated with fewer emissions could offset the $330 billion to $740 billion in additional power system costs. In fact, the net societal benefit of transitioning to a 100% clean grid could range from $920 billion to $12 trillion, once the avoided costs of climate change-related disasters are factored in.
Embracing the Clean Energy Transition
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the renewable energy revolution is in full swing. Sonoma Clean Power is leading the charge in their local communities, and the NREL study has laid out a roadmap for achieving nationwide 100% clean electricity by 2035.
While the path forward may not be without its challenges, the potential rewards are undeniable. Cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come – these are the driving forces behind the clean energy transition.
So, let’s all do our part to embrace this renewable energy revolution. Whether it’s signing up for Sonoma Clean Power’s EverGreen service or simply learning more about the latest advancements in clean power, every step we take brings us closer to a brighter, greener tomorrow.
The future is renewable, and it’s up to all of us to make it a reality.