Net-Zero America: Potential Pathways, Infrastructure, And Impacts

Net-Zero America: Potential Pathways, Infrastructure, and Impacts outlines five energy system pathways the U.S. can potentially choose to reach net zero emissions by the year 2050, alongside a number of priority actions needed by 2030 to assist in that transition. The report provides capital costs estimates for transmission required through 2030 under three of the scenarios. Transmission expenditure under scenarios that consider a high electrification future, assume base siting availability, and include varying levels of renewable penetration are estimated to total $360-$390 billion by 2030 (higher if siting is constrained). By 2030, transmission expansion in most scenarios will facilitate up to 4 times the amount of wind and solar generation capacity currently available, which could supply roughly half of all U.S. electricity demand. The scenarios considered in this report are in line with the Biden Administration’s goals reach a net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.

Net-Zero America: Potential Pathways, Infrastructure, And Impacts