Solar curtailments in California, the US, have never been higher in 2023, as solar generation outpaces transmission capacity upgrades, according to a report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has approved a transmission plan consisting of 45 projects for system expansion and upgrades with a cost of US$7.3 billion, including a total of more than 17GW of solar generation.
A 500kV, 125-mile transmission line between California and Arizona broke ground last week, promising to bring over 3GW of renewable energy capacity to the US Desert Southwest region.
The intense wildfires that ravaged California in the US in 2020 have been responsible for substantial solar energy forecasts errors, according to a study led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).
California’s grid operator has green-lighted a new plan to upgrade and expand the state’s transmission system as more renewables come online amid increased electrification.
California’s energy transition will need 53GW of solar PV by 2045, with the state’s transmission system requiring a US$30.5 billion investment alongside major increases in energy storage to accommodate the extra power.
Renewable capacity additions in California mean the curtailment of solar generation in the state is increasing, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Sean Rai-Roche interviews the CSO of a virtual power plant in California to explore how the company is helping to reduce the need for peaker plants by moderating peak hours electricity demand
