Reaching 100% Renewable Energy: Lessons-Learned from Aspen, Colorado

Abstract In 2004, the city of Aspen, Colorado, adopted an ambitious goal to supply 100% of its electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015. After an initial good progress, significant barriers stopped them just short of their target. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory , in cooperation with municipal utility staff, led the city council through a staged decision-making process to clarify its priorities, identify the most desirable options, and take advantage of renewable energy opportunities. As a result, the city of Aspen became a 100% renewable electric city in 2015. This presentation lays out the process that was used to attain this remarkable goal, and explores how lessons-learned can be transferred and implemented in other locations.