Study reveals roadmap for carbon-free California by 2045
A new study shows California can go carbon-free mostly using current and emerging solutions – but to get there, it must overcome regulatory challenges and scale technologies at an unprecedented pace.
Half of emissions cuts are achievable with existing technologies like electric vehicles, pending regulatory barriers, while another quarter could come from early-stage technologies.
The final fourth of reductions will require breakthrough technologies still in the research phase, such as decarbonized planes and ships, low-emission refrigerants, and removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A 2022 California law mandates net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and negative emissions every year thereafter. The state can achieve this but will have to act quickly and thoroughly, and success will require new technologies for sectors difficult to decarbonize, a new Stanford University study finds. The state will need to decarbonize not only cars and electricity but also trucks, trains, planes, agriculture, and factories, while slashing pollution from its oil refineries.
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/09/carbon-free-california-net-zero-emissions-technologies-challenges
