Energy System Infrastructure Planning

California is well on its way to meeting its goal of 100 percent zero-carbon energy by 2045. Governor Newsom stated in July 2025 that, “Clean energy met our grid’s total demand for some part of the day almost every day this year – the equivalent of 51 full days powered by 100% clean electricity.” To reach the 2045 goal of powering all retail electricity sold in California with renewable and zero-carbon resources, California needs to sustain its expansion of clean electricity generation capacity at a record-breaking rate. Additional renewable energy and transmission infrastructure are required, which could affect environmental resources. Landscape-scale planning, such as the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan and the stakeholder-led San Joaquin Valley Identification of Least-Conflict Lands study, can facilitate the development of renewable energy and transmission by considering potential constraints and conflicts to minimize environmental impacts. Another tool is Land Use Screens which are map-based footprints that define important environmental and physical characteristics of the land. Land use screens show access limitations or competing land-use priorities, and help system planners focus on areas with a greater potential for successful deployment of new utility-scale renewable energy capacity and electric transmission. To track California’s progress toward its clean energy goals, visit the Estimated Annual RPS-Certified Renewable Energy Dashboard . Learn more by going to: California Energy Planning Gateway Environmental Information for Energy Planning