California Powers Largest US Economy With 67% Clean Energy in 2023

California has achieved a major clean energy milestone, with renewable and zero-carbon sources accounting for 67% of its electricity in 2023, making it the largest economy in the world powered at this level by clean energy. This rapid transition includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, geothermal, and biomass, with significant expansions in solar capacity and battery storage, which has grown nearly 1,900% since 2019. The state has added 25,000 megawatts of new energy resources since 2019 and aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045, with interim targets of 90% by 2035 and 95% by 2040. Despite the progress, the shift has contributed to some of the highest electricity rates in the U.S., driven by wildfire risk mitigation, grid upgrades, and clean energy mandates, prompting legislative efforts to reform utility billing. The milestone is especially notable as it comes amid federal rollbacks on green energy incentives under President Trump's administration, yet California continues to emphasize clean power as mainstream and essential for its economy and environmental goals. The state’s greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 20% since 2000 while its economy grew 78%, underscoring the effectiveness of its clean energy policies and investments in green jobs.