With the help of our EnergyPATHWAYS modeling tool, we develop technically reliable energy system roadmaps capable of reducing emissions 80% by 2050 while maintaining a thriving economy.
As a member of the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP), a collaboration of research teams from sixteen high-emitting countries, USDDPP has issued two major, national reports:
Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States (2014)
We assess the feasibility and cost of a low-carbon transformation. We describe four different technology pathways to a decarbonized energy system by mid-century that meet America’s energy needs and support robust economic growth. Our analysis indicates that meeting our 2050 climate goals will involve three principal strategies: (1) highly efficient end use of energy in buildings, transportation, and industry; (2) decarbonization of electricity and other fuels; and (3) fuel switching of end uses from high-carbon to low-carbon supplies, primarily electrification. Our analysis also indicates that deep decarbonization is affordable, with a median cost equivalent to 0.8% of U.S. EIA’s forecast 2050 GDP.
Policy Implications of Deep Decarbonization in the United States (2015)
We describe how the pace and scale of physical infrastructure changes required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by the year 2050 informs the development of coherent, effective energy policy. We conclude that achieving our 2050 climate goals will require a sustained long-term transformation of energy supply and demand infrastructure, as policies that produce incremental changes without facilitating transformation can lead to technology lock-in and emissions reduction dead ends that make deep decarbonization by mid-century unattainable. Our analysis also indicates a need for joint planning and coordinated policy and market signals across economic sectors that traditionally have little in common, such as power generation and transportation.
Other National Analysis
USDDPP analysis was extensively relied on by the White House in developing the United States Mid-Century Strategy for Deep Decarbonization (2016) issued in accordance with the 2015 U.N. Paris Agreement.
State DDP Analysis
USDDPP analysis currently supports policy and regulatory efforts in California, Washington, and New York. A public version of our Deep Decarbonization Pathways Analysis for Washington State (2017) is available from the Office of the Governor.