California Senate Bill 100 (SB 100)

Wayne Mayer

30 years: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Executive

In this video, Wayne explores California Senate Bill 100 (SB 100), a groundbreaking law that sets the ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045. He breaks down key milestones, including the 60% renewable energy target by 2030, and discusses the massive infrastructure expansion, grid modernization, and emerging technologies needed to make this vision a reality.

Regulation and Initiatives

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California Senate Bill 100 (SB 100)

13 mins 38 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the goals and key components of SB 100, including the 2045 clean energy target and interim benchmarks
Recognize the infrastructure, grid modernization, and emerging technologies needed to achieve a zero-carbon electricity grid
Identify the economic, environmental, and social benefits of SB 100, including job creation, improved public health, and equity

Overview:

California Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) sets a goal to power the state with 100% clean electricity by 2045, combining renewable and zero-carbon sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. It mandates interim targets, such as achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030, and requires joint agency reporting to monitor progress. Achieving this ambitious target demands massive clean energy infrastructure expansion, grid modernization, and emerging technologies like offshore wind and long-duration energy storage. SB 100 also prioritizes equitable growth, addressing environmental justice and public health. California's leadership serves as a model for global clean energy transitions, driving innovation and economic growth.

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Summary

What is California Senate Bill 100, and what are its goals?

California Senate Bill 100 (SB 100), known as “The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018,” mandates that by 2045, all electricity in California must come from renewable and zero-carbon sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. It includes an interim target of achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030. SB 100 provides a roadmap for transitioning the state’s energy system, driving investment in clean infrastructure while setting a global precedent for decarbonization.

How does SB 100 help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change?

SB 100 reduces greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning power generation from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. This shift decarbonizes sectors like transportation and buildings, which increasingly rely on clean electricity. Carbon neutrality, including natural sinks (forests, soils, oceans) and carbon capture technologies, complements SB 100's goals. By reducing emissions at scale, California mitigates climate change while improving air quality, public health, and community resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations.

What are the key findings and recommendations of the 2021 SB 100 Joint Agency Report?

The 2021 SB 100 report confirms that achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045 is feasible but requires rapid deployment of renewable energy, grid modernization, and energy storage solutions. It highlights a need for diversified technologies like offshore wind and green hydrogen to maintain flexibility and affordability. The report also calls for annual workshops to refine strategies, ensure grid reliability, and prioritize equitable outcomes. Achieving this vision will require sustained momentum and ongoing analysis.

What challenges and opportunities arise as California transitions to 100% clean energy?

California faces the immense challenge of tripling its electricity grid capacity over 25 years to meet SB 100 targets. This requires unprecedented investment, innovation, and grid upgrades while addressing energy reliability and costs. However, the opportunities are vast: clean energy development creates thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and technology. It reduces air pollution, saving lives and money, while ensuring underserved communities benefit equitably. California’s clean energy leadership inspires other regions to adopt similar transitions.

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Wayne Mayer

Wayne Mayer, a Strategic Sustainability consultant and CEO of When Everything Matters, advises multinational companies and non-governmental organizations on various Sustainability and ESG issues. He helps companies transform business models into sustainable development partnerships, using Sustainability principles and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices to drive innovation, growth, and profits. With over 20 years of experience, Wayne has worked as a change agent focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. He helps companies set science-based goals and leverage data and technology to measure, monitor, and communicate ESG risks, impacts, and opportunities.

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