Figure 36. Percent of Total Energy Generation from Renewable Sources

Data Source: California Energy Commission; U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration Analysis by Beacon Economics

In 2022, the share of renewable sources¹²² in California's power mix (including imports) increased to 35.8 percent, a rise of 2.2 percent compared to 2021. For the entire U.S., renewables made up 15.3 percent of energy generation. California maintains a significant lead in renewables, with an average yearly growth rate of 1.8 percent from 2008 to 2022, compared to the U.S. rate of 0.9 percent.

¹²² RPS-eligible resources include Biomass, small Hydro, Geothermal, Solar, and Wind.

In 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a new resource portfolio to meet a 30 million metric ton greenhouse gas reduction target. This portfolio will require the buildout of 86,000 megawatts of new resources by 2035, including 54,000 megawatts of new renewable resources over the same time period.¹²³ The proposed portfolio includes a substantial increase in renewable resources, batteries, long-duration storage, and demand response.

¹²³ California Public Utilities Commissions. CPUC Augments Historic Clean Energy Procurement Goals To Ensure Electric Reliability. Released Feb 23, 2023. Assessed Aug 28, 2023. Available at: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/news-and-updates/all-news/cpuc-augments-historic-clean-energy-procurement-goals-to-ensure-electric-reliability-2023