California drought will increase the carbon footprint of electricity used to charge electric vehicles, according to a new report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The drought has cut the state’s hydroelectric power generation capacity by nearly half compared to normal, forcing California to rely on more carbon-intensive sources to get more of its grid mix, according to the report. EIA.
Hydroelectricity typically produces 15% of California’s electricity with normal rainfall, but is estimated to drop to 8% in a drought year, according to the report analyzing six California hydroelectric facilities, which account for 22% of hydroelectric capacity. state electricity.
American charging site
Hydroelectricity is typically the third largest source of electricity in California, the EIA notes. But its availability is highly dependent on the snow and ice that forms in the winter. According to the EIA, this snowfall is 40% below normal levels as of April 1.
The agency expects the reduction in hydroelectricity to result in an 8% increase in California’s natural gas electricity generation, a 6% increase in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the state, and an increase in electricity prices. Wholesale average 5% throughout the West.
Any shift away from green energy could increase the carbon footprint of electric vehicles, which are only as clean as the grid they are plugged into. However, this temporary lapse should not overshadow the fact that, over the past decade or so, the national grid has become much cleaner. And as a 2019 study showed, Midwest stands to achieve more during California’s transition to cleaner electricity.
San Diego Gas & Electric Substation
The state has made a lot of progress in cleaning up its grid. California in April reached a brief period during which the state’s grid provided completely– almost – by renewable energy.
However, the California grid could still use some improvements to ensure electric vehicles can be charged cleanly and reliably. Last year’s heat waves Reminder alert about EV charging routine.
Top utilities from the state have also said that the grid will need major upgrade fit to move away from selling gas cars entirely by 2035.
