California Solar Glut Screams for Hydrogen Solution

California is facing a paradox. The state, a global leader in renewable energy, has so much solar power that it often has to throw it away. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that during peak solar production, excess energy has no place to go, leading to massive curtailment and wasted opportunities ("Solar power glut boosts California electric bills. Other states reap the benefits"). This isn’t just a technical glitch—it’s a policy failure. Governor Gavin Newsom has the chance to redefine California’s climate leadership, but it requires thinking beyond solar panels and wind turbines.

The Problem with Business-as-Usual

California’s over-reliance on solar and wind, without addressing their inherent intermittency, reveals a glaring gap in strategy. Renewables are essential, but they’re not sufficient on their own. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Without a broader energy strategy, California risks undermining its ambitious climate goals.

Utilities, driven by profit and short-term thinking, exacerbate this problem. Their lack of investment in infrastructure to integrate and store renewable energy limits progress. It’s time for California to take control. By "state-izing" its utilities—bringing them under state ownership—California could align energy policy with climate goals rather than shareholder interests.

A State Department of Energy

California needs its own robust Department of Energy (DOE), independent of federal politics and tailored to the state’s unique energy landscape. This DOE could drive innovation, oversee public utilities, and implement policies to integrate nuclear, hydrogen, and renewables into a cohesive energy system.

The Case for Nuclear

Nuclear energy must play a central role in California’s energy future. It provides steady, around-the-clock power, ensuring reliability when solar and wind fall short. Shutting down nuclear plants like San Onofre and phasing out Diablo Canyon has only weakened California’s energy resilience. Nuclear isn’t just reliable; it’s also one of the safest and cleanest energy sources available.

A state-run utility system could prioritize extending the life of Diablo Canyon or even developing new nuclear projects, bypassing the roadblocks posed by private utility companies.

Hydrogen: The Missing Link

California’s wasted solar energy presents an enormous opportunity for hydrogen production. Through electrolysis, excess electricity can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, creating a clean, storable fuel. Hydrogen can then be used in fuel cells to generate electricity when demand is high, filling the gaps left by intermittent renewables.

Hydrogen storage is a sustainable alternative to massive battery storage systems, which rely on environmentally destructive mining for rare earth minerals. California should prioritize building a robust hydrogen infrastructure, from production facilities to storage and distribution networks.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs): A Smarter Alternative

California’s focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) overlooks the advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs):

• Smaller Batteries: FCEVs rely on hydrogen fuel cells for power, requiring only a small battery for energy storage, reducing environmental strain.

• Faster Refueling: Hydrogen vehicles can refuel in minutes, unlike BEVs, which often require hours to charge.

• Scalability for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Hydrogen is particularly suited for long-haul trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty applications.

Expanding California’s hydrogen infrastructure would support FCEVs while also addressing renewable energy storage challenges.

Nationalizing Oil, State-izing Utilities

California’s energy challenges reflect a broader national issue: the unchecked control of fossil fuel companies over critical resources. To address climate change at scale, the U.S. will eventually need to nationalize its oil production. This would allow for a managed transition away from fossil fuels while ensuring that remaining production aligns with national climate goals.

At the state level, California must “state-ize” its utilities. Investor-owned utilities are driven by profit, often at the expense of long-term planning and public interest. A state-run utility system would prioritize renewable integration, hydrogen infrastructure, and nuclear development, putting California in the driver’s seat on energy policy.

Governor Newsom’s Responsibility

Governor Gavin Newsom has a historic opportunity to lead California—and the nation—toward a sustainable energy future. By creating a state Department of Energy, taking control of utilities, and investing in nuclear and hydrogen, he can position California as a true pioneer in the fight against climate change.

This holistic approach would:

1. Reduce Renewable Energy Waste: Use excess solar and wind to produce hydrogen rather than curtailing production.

2. Strengthen Grid Resilience: Combine nuclear’s reliability with hydrogen’s storage potential for a more stable energy system.

3. Revolutionize Clean Transportation: Expand hydrogen fuel cell technology to complement BEVs, offering consumers more sustainable choices.

Conclusion

California’s solar glut screams for a bold, integrated solution. Governor Newsom must step up with a vision that includes nuclear, hydrogen, and a restructured energy system. The state cannot afford to waste its renewable energy potential or rely on outdated, profit-driven utility models.

By investing in a balanced energy strategy, creating a state DOE, and taking control of its energy future, California can lead the way out of the climate crisis. Let’s turn today’s energy waste into tomorrow’s clean, sustainable power.

What are your thoughts on California’s energy future? Let’s discuss in the comments!