California Cuts Ties with Coal Power Next Month
In a significant milestone for the state's climate change efforts, California will stop receiving electricity from the Intermountain Power Plant in Central Utah next month, effectively ending its reliance on coal as a power source. This move marks a major shift in the state's energy landscape and comes after years of declining coal usage.
Key Dates:
2007: Coal-fired plants provided nearly half of the US electricity
2023: Coal's share dropped to 16.2%
2024: California got just 2.2% of its electricity from coal, mostly from Intermountain Plant
Next month: California will stop receiving electricity from Intermountain Power Plant
Immediate Impact:
The shutdown is expected to have minimal impact on the state's power grid, thanks to improved energy storage technology and increased renewable energy production. "We've made significant strides in reducing our reliance on coal," said a spokesperson for the California Energy Commission. "This change has been made without compromising power supply or causing shortages."
Background:
California's shift away from coal began in earnest after 2020, when the state implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. The Intermountain Power Plant, which supplied a significant portion of California's coal-generated electricity, will now be converted to burn natural gas.
What Happens Next:
As California continues its push towards a carbon-neutral future, the state is expected to focus on further increasing renewable energy production and improving energy storage capabilities. This move sets a precedent for other states looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Hardware reporting.*
