Natural gas is the primary raw material for nitrogen fertilizer. California's mountain reservoirs provides us with an excellent source of electricity. This is produced by turbine generators driven by the force of falling water. This source of electricity is derived through the controlled breakdown of fissionable materials such as uranium. Heat generated from this process drives steam turbines which in turn produce electricity.
Solar energy is captured and used locally.
Solar produces either thermal energy, stored in water tanks, or electricity, stored in batteries. Solar energy is used primarily for space heating and water heating. Electricity produced by solar energy is too expensive to be widely used, but is expected to cost less in the near future, as energy costs rise, and solar technology improves. Modern windmills produce a significant amount of electricity in California. More use is now being made of fuels such as firewood, and agricultural and industrial waste products to generate electricity.