Almost 60% of California’s electricity was derived from renewable and zero-carbon sources in 2020, according to the California Energy Commission. During that year, 34.5% of the state’s retail electricity sales were served by Renewables Portfolio Standard-eligible sources such as solar and wind. When sources of zero-carbon energy such as large hydroelectric generation and nuclear are included, 59% of the retail electricity sales in California were sourced from non-fossil fuel sources in 2020.

The trend reflects a slight decline, as over 60% of the state’s electricity came from renewable and zero-carbon sources in 2019. The decrease in 2020 is due to decline in hydroelectric generation caused by severe drought, as well as pandemic-related delays to new renewable energy projects.

Source: California Energy Commission

Data for 2021 indicate a resurgence in renewable energy growth, with 94% of electricity coming from solar, wind and other clean energy sources on April 24, 2021, a new all-time high. About 3,850 MW of new renewable energy capacity was added from July 2020 through August 2021.

The state also met its 2020 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions economywide to 1990 levels four years ahead of schedule. Emissions from power generation have dropped 44% since 2000, an achievement largely attributable to California’s energy efficiency standards, reduced reliance on coal-fired power systems and increased use of renewable energy, primarily solar.