Work

California's plan to decarbonize electricity omits key greenhouse gas emissions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Regional climate action plans for decarbonization in the US generally ignore the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of renewable electricity generation systems that occur beyond the operational stage. Our analysis of California's prospective electricity sector changes through 2045 highlights the implications of omitting life cycle GHG emissions and their geographic variability in decarbonization planning. We demonstrate that the total GHG emissions of the proposed power sector in California through 2045 will be over 30% higher than reported by California's Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality, even with optimal siting of new energy systems. The lack of life cycle accounting in decarbonization planning may lead to massive infrastructure changes and economic investments towards target emissions reductions that are ultimately insufficient to prevent or that may even contribute to worsening climate change.

Source: Energy Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115509

Authors: Marie-Odile P. Fortier, Amir Sharafi, Alyssa R. Pfadt-Trilling, Samuel A. Markolf

Institutions: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of California, Merced

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940