MCE’s Empowering Electrification series covers valuable insights into the current state of electrification efforts and the technological advancements driving the clean energy transition. In this fourth installment of our series, we cover the need for balancing electrification advancements with ensuring availability of sufficient clean energy.
Electrification and renewable energy are two of the most critical components in the journey to achieving a more sustainable future and combating the climate crisis. As California aims to be 100% clean energy by 2045, the demand for electricity is expected to increase by 76%. While electrification is a large piece for meeting the state’s climate goals, it raises questions about the grid’s capacity to handle this increased demand.
Electrification and Renewable Energy
Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel-based technologies, like gas-powered transportation, appliances, and industrial processes, with electric and renewable alternatives. When powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, electrification can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants than fossil fuels. This energy improves public health by reducing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially in disadvantaged communities. Investing in renewable energy and clean tech programs:
- Creates jobs.
- Boosts the local economy.
- Enhances grid reliability by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
MCE Solar One
After joining MCE in 2013, the Richmond community asked for integration of renewable energy and solar facilities as part of the Chevron Richmond Refinery Modernization Project. From this, the MCE Solar One project was conceived, and Chevron leased 60 acres of a remediated brownfield land to MCE for $1 per year. This land was repurposed as a 10.5-megawatt solar farm that now powers 4,000 homes annually throughout MCE’s service area.
MCE partnered with RichmondBUILD, the local green job training academy, to train and hire skilled local graduates for the project, which required a 50% local resident workforce to maximize economic benefits.
MCE Solar One stands as a powerful testament to community advocacy for renewable energy, serving as a beacon of hope and progress in the shadow of the refinery and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Amidst all the efforts in electrification, the workforce must stay current on the latest technologies.
MCE’s Green Workforce Pathways (GWP) Program connects individuals from underserved communities with career opportunities in the clean energy sector.
The program pairs pre-vetted job seekers with contractors and provides funding for on the job training with contractors. Participating job seekers receive training, education, and support to help gain the skills needed for jobs in renewable energy and sustainability.
By partnering with local organizations and businesses, GWP provides job placement, internships, and mentorship, to build a skilled and diverse workforce while promoting economic and environmental equity.
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
VPPs work like regular power plants by supplying electricity to the grid. However, instead of coming from a single power plant, VPPs use a network of connected technologies spread across a community. VPPs help stabilize the power grid by quickly dispatching power to and from resources on the grid so that energy consumption is shifted out of peak hours and takes greater advantage of midday solar generation.
MCE’s VPP Pilot Program retrofits, rebuilds, and sells homes in underserved communities. The program also installs small-scale electricity generation or storage technologies, known as distributed energy sources, for select residential, municipal, commercial, and industrial customers in Richmond. The pilot aims to include up to 100 homes—10 of which will be completely rebuilt—that are sold to lower-income, first-time homeowners who are MCE customers.
A Balanced Approach
MCE promotes a balanced approach by integrating electrification and renewable energy to reduce emissions, creating job opportunities, and enhancing energy reliability. While electrification is crucial, it must be supported by sufficient renewable energy to effectively address the climate crisis. By expanding renewable energy capacity alongside electrification, we can make meaningful progress toward a carbon-free future and build a more resilient, sustainable energy system for future generations.
Blog by Madeline Sarvey
