California has set ambitious goals for a transition to clean, renewable energy: 33% by 2020. Some are skeptical that the goal is within reach. In a special series unfolding over several months, KQED's environmental and science initiatives, Quest and Climate Watch, explore the promise and pitfalls of this historic transformation to "33 by 20."

33x20 Blog: Climate Watch and Quest

33x20 Blog Archive»

Radio Series

THE CALIFORNIA REPORT | FRI, FEB 11, 2011

The Challenges of Wind Energy: Part Two
For California to meet its ambitious goals for renewable energy, wind will have to play a major role. But wind power presents some big challenges that could threaten to stall development in the Golden State.

THE CALIFORNIA REPORT | THU, FEB 10, 2011

The Challenges of Wind Energy: Part One
For California to meet its ambitious goals for renewable energy, wind will have to play a major role. But wind power presents some big challenges that could threaten to stall development in the Golden State.

THE CALIFORNIA REPORT | FRI, JAN 28, 2011

Red Lights Ahead for Green Energy Projects
California has committed to green power, subsidizing big projects to make a viable market, and building up the transmission network to bring the power from remote locations to urban areas. But some of these projects are coming up against blowback.

MORNING EDITION | THU, AUG 19, 2010

Full Steam Ahead for California Geothermal Plans?
The state's geothermal energy industry provides two times more energy than solar and wind combined.

QUEST RADIO | MON, AUG 09, 2010 6:30 AM

Renewables on Indian Land
ndian reservations hold an estimated 10 percent of the nation's renewable energy resources, but tribe say tax incentives and other federal programs put Indians at a disadvantage.

QUEST RADIO | MON, AUG 02, 2010 6:30 AM

Energy Storage: The Holy Grail
Renewables have a downside: there are times when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. That variability causes problems on the state's electric grid. So, California utilities are looking to smooth out those bumps with a new strategy: storing electricity.

QUEST RADIO | MON, JUNE 28, 2010 6:30 AM

Finding a Home for Big Solar - Part Two
Clean energy projects in California are often held up by a glacially slow permitting process. That's due, in part, to controversies over where to build big, renewable projects. A solar project in the Panoche Valley is finding itself in the center of one of those debates.

QUEST RADIO | MON, JUNE 21, 2010 6:30 AM

Finding a Home for Big Solar - Part One
California has set ambitious goals for a transition to clean, renewable energy: 33 percent by 2020. Some are skeptical that the goal is within reach. We report on one Silicon Valley company's controversial proposal for solar power in Panoche Valley.

QUEST RADIO | MON, MAY 24, 2010 6:30 AM

Race for Renewables
With its wind and solar resources, the state is known as a hotbed of renewable energy. Driving that development is an ambitious goal: By the year 2020, utilities must generate one third of their electricity from renewable sources. But the road to clean energy is full of obstacles.