Investment in 26 transmission projects would accommodate an added 85 GW of generating capacity to meet state load growth and greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2035, state grid operator CAISO said.
While proponents of a grid resiliency measure said it would bolster the system during bad weather, the recent winter storm proved such efforts unnecessary.
While expected to favor fossil fuels, the relatively neutral study embraces the generally accepted fact that natural gas is forcing coal and nuclear plant retirements.
Energy storage is a hot topic in California, where lawmakers are mandating that the state’s three biggest utility companies provide 33% of their electrical energy from renewable sources by 2020. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric are mandated to buy a total of at least 1300 MW of energy storage to help make the plan work.
