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Pathways to Carbon Neutrality in California

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California leads the nation and much of the world in policies to mitigate climate change with a long-term target of net zero emissions by 2045. New Executive Orders ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035 and establish a goal of protecting 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030.   

The goal of this project is to “inform the discussion” on pathways to Carbon Neutrality in California through an assessment of energy system options that encompass a broad range of technologies, including CCS, natural gas sourced H2, negative emissions, and other technologies and technology transformations.

Integrated Economy-Wide Modeling
The goal of this study was to provide an independent assessment of decarbonization options and alternatives and build a fully integrated economy-wide energy model for California. 


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Key Findings
Additional files and supporting resources

Sectoral and Fuel Switching Analyses

These reports contain an in depth analysis of two fuel switching opportunities, the forest management opportunity, and five sectoral analyses of decarbonization opportunities for California.

 
Decarbonizing the Electricity Sector report cover.
Decarbonizing the Electricity Sector Report and Brief
Cover page of the Decarbonizing the Industrial Sector final report.
Decarbonizing the Industrial Sector Report and Brief
Cover page of the Decarbonizing the Industrial Sector Report and Brief.
Decarbonizing the Commercial Sector Report and Brief
Cover page of the Decarbonizing the Residential Sector Report and Brief.
Decarbonizing the
Residential Sector
Report
and Brief
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector Report and Brief
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Key FindingsKey FindingsKey FindingsKey FindingsKey Findings

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Download Report

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Key Findings

Key Findings

Key Findings

Interview and Workshop Summary Report

This report summarizes insights from a series of interviews conducted in the spring of 2021 as well as a workshop conducted in June 2021. This report does not represent the views of Stanford University or the project sponsors. The intent of the Stanford project team was to obtain perspectives from across a wide range of organizations in government, the private sector, and academia.

Pathways to Carbon Neutrality report cover page with a planet Earth on green background.

 

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The interview and workshop summary report contains a lengthy rich summary and discussion of the project findings. The following 6 briefs are intended to provide additional insights into themes that emerged during the interview and workshop process.

The Supreme Importance of Reliable and Resilient ElectricityThe Need to Address Existing BuildingsNet Zero is Easier with Carbon Removal
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Challenge of “Leakage”Engagement Should Be More InclusiveTime is of the Essence

Workshops