In the USA, the state of California is currently legislating renewable energy targets that make goals set by some nations look like paltry gestures by comparison. The state is using every means necessary to get there, including the roofs and backyards of its citizens.
On April 12, California introduced Bill SBX1 2, requiring electricity suppliers to purchase one-third of their power from renewable energy sources, an effective renewable energy target of 33 percent by 2020. This target would, according to Governor Jerry Brown “create market certainty and drive investment in renewable technologies.”
Yesterday began a two-day “Conference on Local Renewable Energy Resources” at the University of Los Angeles (UCLA), during which Governor Brown announced plans to produce 20,000 megawatts (MW) capacity of new renewable energy by 2020 as part of his Clean Energy Jobs Plan.
The Plan calls for the inclusion of 12,000MW of “localised energy” – small-scale systems close to transmission lines, such as rooftop solar power that can be installed rapidly on existing buildings without environmental impact.
Other measures would see commercial solar systems of up to 2 MW to be installed on the roofs of warehouses, parking lot structures, schools and other commercial buildings.
Solar power is certainly the big winner in Governor Brown’s vision; one that isn’t confined to rooftop applications. One idea to emerge from the large-scale section (solar energy projects up to 20MW in size) of the Clean Energy blueprint is to line the banks of California’s highways with solar panels.
The California Public Utilities Commission will implement a carefully structured feed-in tariff scheme to provide a premium cash rate for investment in renewable energy projects throughout the state.
“Meeting the 12,000 megawatts goal creates important advantages for California in the state’s drive for clean power, including creating clean energy jobs, driving economic development and giving consumers greater choice and autonomy,” Governor Brown said in a statement.
Last year Californians installed 194 megawatts (MW) of solar power systems; more than any other year in the State’s history.
