Los Angeles Powers Down Coal, Ushering in a New Era of Clean energy
Los angeles has officially severed ties with coal power, marking a monumental achievement in the fight against climate change.This transition,years in the making,positions the nation’s second-largest city as a leader in lasting energy and demonstrates a commitment to a cleaner,more resilient future. This isn’t just a symbolic victory; it’s a practical demonstration of how large municipalities can aggressively decarbonize their energy grids.
A Historic Shift: From Coal to Clean
For decades, coal was a dominant force in Los Angeles’ energy mix. Just 20 years ago, over 50% of the city’s electricity came from coal, with renewables contributing a mere 3%. Today, that picture is dramatically different. As of 2024, coal accounted for only 2.2% of California’s electricity, with Los Angeles leading the charge in phasing it out.
The final step involved retiring the city’s stake in the intermountain Power Project, which previously supplied 11% of L.A.’s energy. This follows the 2016 divestment from the Navajo Generating station in Arizona, solidifying a long-term strategy. This deliberate, phased approach has been crucial to ensuring grid stability during the transition.
the Rise of Renewables & Innovative Technologies
Los Angeles isn’t simply eliminating fossil fuels; it’s actively replacing them with cleaner alternatives.Currently, over 60% of the city’s energy supply comes from renewable sources. Key projects driving this progress include:
* Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center: This recently completed facility in Kern County is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, providing significant power to Los Angeles and Glendale.
* Solar & Wind Investments: Ongoing investments in solar and wind energy are expanding the city’s renewable capacity.
* Battery Energy Storage: Crucially, battery storage is being deployed alongside renewables to ensure a reliable power supply, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
* Green Hydrogen: Los angeles is pioneering the use of green hydrogen – produced using renewable energy – as a fuel source.
The Hydrogen Pathway: A Bridge to 100% Clean Energy
While renewables are central to the plan, Los Angeles is also exploring the potential of green hydrogen.The city will continue to utilize natural gas-fired units at the Intermountain facility, but with a growing blend of green hydrogen. The goal is to eventually transition to 100% green hydrogen, offering a flexible and possibly scalable clean energy solution.
This strategy is also reflected in the recent $800 million plan to convert units at the Scattergood Generating Station to run on a natural gas/green hydrogen mixture. While this plan has drawn criticism from some environmental groups (see below),it represents a pragmatic approach to decarbonizing existing infrastructure.
Addressing Concerns & navigating the Future
The transition hasn’t been without debate. Some energy and environmental advocates argue that investing in hydrogen infrastructure prolongs reliance on fossil fuels and diverts resources from proven technologies like solar,wind,and battery storage. These concerns are valid and highlight the importance of ongoing dialog and rigorous evaluation of all energy solutions.
However, the overall trajectory is clear: los Angeles is committed to achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. This ambition is notably significant given the current political climate, where federal support for clean energy is facing headwinds.
A Model for the Nation & Beyond
The success in Los Angeles demonstrates that ambitious climate goals are achievable, even for large, complex urban centers. As Evan Gillespie of Industrious Labs noted, the idea of a coal-free Los Angeles was once considered audacious.
Now, it’s a reality – and a potential blueprint for other cities and utilities across the country and around the world. Los Angeles’ leadership serves as a powerful reminder that a cleaner, more sustainable energy future is within reach, requiring courage, vision, and a steadfast commitment to innovation.
Resources:
* California Energy Commission – 2024 Total System Electric Generation
* [Los Angeles times – Eland Solar-Plus-Storage Center](https://
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