LA100: The Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study and Equity Strategies

NREL provided rigorous, integrated engineering-economic analysis to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) through the Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study (LA100) and Equity Strategies.

LA100

Results show that meeting LA's goal of reliable, 100% renewable electricity by 2045—or even 2035—is achievable and will entail rapid deployment of wind, solar, and storage technologies this decade.

At the direction of the Los Angeles City Council, LA embarked on a plan to modernize its electricity system infrastructure—aiming for a 100% renewable energy supply by 2045, along with aggressive electrification targets for buildings and vehicles.

With great ambition comes great need for actionable data and analysis, which NREL provided through LA100.

LA100 Objectives

For LA100, NREL evaluated a range of future scenarios to equip LA decision makers with answers to these questions:

  • As more Angelenos adopt energy technologies like electric vehicles and air conditioning, how might that change total demand for electricity throughout LA?
  • What could LA's future grid look like? Does reaching 100% mean big changes locally—like building new transmission lines or power plants?
  • How can LA make sure that the new system is reliable under extreme events like fires and heat waves?
  • What about impacts on jobs, the local economy, air quality, public health, and environmental justice?
  • And what might all of this cost?

LA100 Equity Strategies

The LA100 study revealed that, although all communities in Los Angeles will share in the benefits of the clean energy transition, improving equity in participation and outcomes requires intentionally designed policies and programs.

LA100 Equity Strategies picks up where the previous study left off. NREL, LADWP, and the University of California, Los Angeles partnered on this comprehensive, community-driven effort to pave the way for a just and equitable transition for all Angelenos.

The project generated a range of strategies with the goal of improving energy equity as the city transitions to a 100% clean energy future.

Check out more about LA100 Equity Strategies in this YouTube video below or watch this video in Spanish.

LA100 Equity Strategies Objectives

LA100 Equity Strategies developed actionable strategies to improve equity for underserved communities. Ensuring diverse community voices were included from the very beginning, the project synthesized community guidance, research into current and past inequities, and extensive modeling and analysis to identify strategies to improve equity outcomes in Los Angeles’ transition to clean energy.
 
The project started by engaging with communities to understand their challenges and identify solutions to meet their energy-related needs. A steering committee, comprising leaders from 14 community-based organizations, identified five priority areas for an equitable energy transition:

  • Affordability and burdens
  • Access to and use of energy technologies, programs, and infrastructure
  • Health, safety, and community resilience
  • Jobs and workforce development
  • Inclusive community involvement.

Each equity strategy supports one or more of these priority areas.

Final Reports

The LA100 study final report is presented as a collection of 12 chapters and an executive summary. The Equity Strategies report consists of 17 chapters and an executive summary. Each chapter and executive summary is available as an individual download.

Interactive Website

Visit the LA100 website or the the LA100 Equity Strategies webpage to explore an interactive data viewer, additional explanatory content, and a glossary of terms.

Media Contact

David Glickson

Media Relations

David.Glickson@nrel.gov
303-275-4097

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