By adopting Senate Bill 100, California’s state government raised its goal for the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 100% in 2045. California has one of the highest goals in the United States. The recent increase was immediately met with some skepticism, and even scoffing, from critics despite not taking effect for over 25 years. Increasing wind and solar power could have negative effects on the environment so projects necessary to reach this goal may not be approved. The goal cannot be reached using only solar and wind power.

Although wind and solar are the fastest growing forms of renewable power, they are insufficient. Geothermal energy, particularly supercritical geothermal energy, could play a crucial role in providing reliable, consistent, plentiful power in the state of California.

The Iceland Deep Drilling Project recently demonstrated that it is possible to drill wells that will reach geothermal resources that exceed the critical point of water – that is, hotter than 374°C and at a pressure greater than 221 bar. Supercritical water can carry several times as much energy as an equivalent amount of steam. Water at supercritical conditions undergoes dramatic shifts in properties that make its performance of important functions, like generating electricity, much more efficient. Ocean Geothermal Energy Foundation looks forward to playing a role in helping California achieve its Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of 100% by 2045.