Updates
Later, 10:06 p.m. CT: this is simply a coincidence. I posted the note below, then going through my twitter feed one last time for the day, I came across this:
Original Post
In the big scheme of things, I don't know how much electricity, in a relative sense, that a "giga-battery-factory" requires, or how much electricity an auto manufacturer needs, but I assume it's not trivial.
Hold that thought.
It seems the "big" reason that Elon Musk / Tesla left California had to do with taxes and "politics."
But one wonders to what extent accessible, dependable, inexpensive, dispatchable electricity played a role.
I was reminded of that today when a reader mentioned in passing that PG&E's plans to shut down Diablo Canyon nuclear plant beginning in 2024 are still on track.
This nuclear plant is the largest single power station in the state.
It went into operation in 1985 /1986 -- almost forty years ago and had at least another forty years of "life."
The plant produces electricity for about 6 cents per kWh, less than the average cost of 10.1 cents per kWh that PG&E paid for electricity from other suppliers in 2014.
A 2021 report from researchers at MIT and Stanford states that keeping Diablo Canyon running until 2035 would reduce the state's carbon emissions from electricity generation by 11% every year, save the state a cumulative $2.6 billion, and improve the reliability of the grid.
They state that three factors have changed since the 2018 decision to close the plant: the state passed a new law (sb100) which requires 100% emissions-free electricity generation by 2045, the whole western US region is in a continuing mega-drought (limiting hydroelectric generation), and demand for electricity has outpaced supply, especially during heatwaves.
They also stated that keeping Diablo operating until 2045 would save the state a cumulative $21 billion.
For more:
The best comparison I have is ISO New England where nuclear energy still plays a significant role, providing about 25% of electricity demand.
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