California has long been a leader in promoting the transition to clean energy. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is key to lowering the level of greenhouse gas emissions and, as a result, helping to slow climate change. But, as California faces federal challenges to some of its high-profile emissions mandates, how can the state continue to advance these goals?
As Pomona College prepares to host a California gubernatorial debate on April 28, Kamil Lungu ’20, an energy policy expert based in Washington, D.C., shares how new technologies can help increase the supply of clean energy that is both reliable and affordable, and how the state’s next governor can balance climate goals with consumer needs.
What are the benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable clean energy?
Renewable clean energy delivers economic, environmental and energy security benefits. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, improving public health and helping mitigate climate change. It can also strengthen domestic energy production, reducing reliance on volatile global fuel markets.
However, renewables are not a silver bullet. Supply chain resilience, technology deployment and affordability remain critical challenges. An “all of the above” approach is essential—leveraging solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower and low-carbon fuels, since no single solution can meet the scale and complexity requirements of the transition. Continued investment in innovation, infrastructure and domestic supply chains will be key to lowering emissions while maintaining reliability and affordability.
What are the most important developments in clean energy today?
The energy sector is booming with creative solutions to reduce global emissions and meet growing energy demand. Hydrogen stands out as a crucial innovation and is often described as the “Swiss-army knife” of decarbonization. It offers a versatile solution to efficiently power and decarbonize industry, fuel heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, and sustainably store and deliver energy, while also supporting industries such as fertilizer production and refining. Today, advanced methods such as steam-methane reforming with carbon capture, methane pyrolysis, electrolysis and geologic hydrogen extraction offer new opportunities for hydrogen production.
Another exciting development is new cost-saving grid technologies. For example, replacing older steel-reinforced aluminum wires with modern high-temperature conductors, such as carbon-fiber composite-core materials, allows lines to carry more electricity while maintaining safety clearances. (Traditional steel cores expand when hot, causing sag that can force operators to limit power flows.) Reconductoring can be completed in one to three years. It can potentially double the capacity of existing transmission corridors and can cost up to 50% less than building a new power line.
Given the current energy crisis, is there increased public interest in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy?
We can see that geopolitical tensions affect energy prices, as demonstrated by the current Middle East crisis, as well as previously during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These crises have brought the conversation around energy diversification and security to the forefront, with renewables and other clean energy technologies playing a central role.
Consumers want reliability and affordability. Renewables and other clean energy technologies can help provide this, especially with increasing demand for power. However, concerns about affordability can create short-term tensions, particularly if transition costs are not well managed. Overall, crises tend to accelerate momentum for clean energy, provided policymakers address cost impacts and ensure reliable access to energy.
What role will clean energy play in the power demands of AI?
The rapid growth of the AI sector is dramatically reshaping the U.S. electricity landscape and increasing domestic power demand. Recent studies show that between 2024 and 2029, U.S. electricity demand will grow at five times the rate predicted in 2022, much of it driven by AI data centers. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that data centers could consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030, up from 4% of total load in 2023.
To meet this demand while ensuring affordability for consumers, adding new power generation and upgrading the aging power grid will be crucial. Clean energy sources such as wind (onshore and offshore), solar and nuclear will be critical to meeting these needs. The issue is not the availability of technology, but the ability for these projects to come online and connect to the grid. Comprehensive permitting reform will be necessary to ensure projects are not held back.
How can California’s next governor advance clean energy policies?
California has long led on decarbonization, with a statutory target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045. However, high energy costs remain a major concern for consumers. The next governor must balance emissions reductions with affordability and reliability.
Streamlining the permitting for renewable projects and transmission infrastructure will be critical to reducing delays and costs. Expanding grid capacity and investing in energy storage will support reliability as renewable sources increase. Maintaining firm, zero-emission baseload power is also essential. Extending the life of Diablo Canyon Power Plant beyond its current 2030 timeline would help ensure grid stability and provide consistent, carbon-free electricity while new infrastructure is built out. A pragmatic, “all of the above” strategy will be key to meeting California’s climate goals without overburdening consumers.