Wind, water and solar met more than half of California's electricity demand so far in 2026
Renewable and hydropower sources have supplied 56% of California's electricity demand this year, with the grid hitting 100% clean power at some point on more than half the days recorded so far.
Wind, water and solar power have supplied 56.2% of electricity demand on California's grid so far in 2026, according to tracking by Stanford University professor Mark Z. Jacobson, director of the university's Atmosphere/Energy Program. The milestone marks one of the strongest years yet for the state's transition away from fossil fuel power.
During 18.5% of all hours so far this year, renewable and hydropower generation on the California Independent System Operator's grid exceeded 100% of electricity demand, meaning the state produced more clean power than it needed at those moments. Through Sept. 13, wind, water and solar output reached 100% of power demand at some point on 187 separate days.
The figures reflect years of investment in solar, wind and battery storage capacity across the state, positioning California as a national leader in clean electricity even as federal climate policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Based on reporting by Zach Shahan for CleanTechnica. Read the original: https://cleantechnica.com/2026/09/14/more-than-56-of-california-electricity-demand-supplied-by-wind-water-solar-in-2026/
This article was produced with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by an editor before publication.
