Full Title: On The Path to 100% Clean Electricity
Author(s): Paul Donohoo-Vallett, Nicole Ryan, and Ryan Wiser
Publisher(s): U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date: May 20, 2023
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Rapid decarbonization of the power sector is a critical strategy for meeting the nation’s climate goals of reducing economy-wide greenhouse gases by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030, on the way to net-zero economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050. Power-sector decarbonization is especially important because efficient electrification, when paired with clean electricity, can decarbonize large parts of the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors. Recognizing the key role of the power sector in overall decarbonization and other key benefits, the United States has set a goal of 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035.
The U.S. power sector has made significant progress over the last 15 years in reducing carbon emissions, driven by technological change, state and federal policy, and other factors —with clean electricity already contributing more than 40% of America’s power generation. Today, with low-cost clean power supply options broadly available and the country confronting both a climate crisis and energy security concerns, we have the ability and motivation to rapidly accelerate clean power deployment. This report identifies ten key all-of-society actions needed to move toward 100% clean electricity and realize the benefits of a fully decarbonized power system.