Note: Fossil Fuel Sources = Coal, Oil, and National Gas; Other Sources = Nuclear, Unspecified, and Other.
Data Source: California Energy Commission.
Analysis by CEC Economics
Note: Fossil Fuel Sources = Coal, Oil, and National Gas; Other Sources = Nuclear, Unspecified, and Other.
Data Source: California Energy Commission.
Analysis by CEC Economics
Highlights
- For the first time, electricity generation from RPS-eligible renewable sources and large hydroelectric accounted for over half (52.3%) of the power mix in 2024, an increase of 3.7% from 2023. The uptick was mostly due to solar and wind, which made up one-third (33.2%) of the power mix. Meanwhile, generation from fossil fuels fell to 36.3% in 2024, a drop of 2.1% and the lowest on record, after years of higher levels (from 38.4% in 2023 to 41.1% in 2021).
- In 2024, in-state electricity generation from oil, waste heat and petroleum coke in California totaled just 497 GWh. Although it represents a jump of 49 GWh from 2023, it is still at an unprecedented low level. Imports from these sources accounted for 9.5% of total imports. Altogether, these sources made up just 0.2% of the state’s power mix. Including imports, total generation from these sources totaled 6,418 GWh or 2.3% of total generation.
- Although natural gas remains the largest share (94,655 GWh or 34.0%) of California’s power mix, it decreased by 8,119 GWh or 7.9% from 2023 to 2024. In-state generation from natural gas fell 7,713 GWh or 8.2% to 86,479 GWh in 2024, the second-lowest level on record since the 86,248 GWh in 2019. In-state generation from nuclear, which is carbon-free but not a renewable energy, has been rising since 2019, reaching 18,379 GWh in 2024, up 13.7% compared to 2019 which was its lowest level on record. Diablo Canyon stands as the final remaining nuclear power plant in the state of California, representing what some see as a crucial asset to support energy reliability as the state accelerates progress towards achieving clean energy and climate goals. Originally slated to retire in 2025, SB 846 (2022) extended that deadline to October 31, 2030.82
82 California Legislative Information. SB-846 Diablo Canyon Powerplant: extension of operations. Released Sep 02,2022. Assess Aug 24,2023. Available at: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB846
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