As U.S. federal and state energy policies increasingly focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's power plants, cooperatives are exploring ways to reduce their emissions through various decarbonization measures. It is important for cooperatives to understand the scale and challenges of pursuing any pathway to 100% zero-carbon generation. All utilities, including co-ops, will face the need for load growth while simultaneously reducing emissions.
This Surveillance article is based on the presentation Decarbonization Technologies and Deployment Impacts by Dr. William Morris, a topic expert and consultant to NRECA. The article examines the various options for meeting demand and maintaining reliability with low- or zero-emission technologies, all of which entail challenges and costs.
