Changes in the sector, driven in part by objectives such as energy security, socio-economic development, increasing sustainable energy, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, public health, and increased public choice, are causing a number of trends: new and disruptive technologies,
Renewable energy investment reached at all-time high last year at $286 billion. New WRI research explores the market trends behind this growth, as well as challenges that remain.
WASHINGTON (January 7, 2016)– New analysis from World Resources Institute shows that Missouri can place itself in a strong position to meet or exceed its emissions target under EPA’s Clean Power Plan for reducing emissions from the power sector.
WASHINGTON (January 5, 2016)– New analysis from World Resources Institute shows that Michigan is in a strong position to meet its target under the EPA’s Clean Power Plan for reducing emissions from the power sector through its existing energy efficiency and renewable energy policies. These policies have already generated investments, jobs and energy savings in the state.
The excitement around clean energy access through distributed renewable energy has a good basis in real world experience. By creating the right policy and regulatory conditions, international clean energy access initiatives can help other countries benefit from greater access to electricity through distributed renewable energy.
Several ambitious international initiatives that aim to deliver access to clean, modern energy services to underserved populations in developing countries have recently taken root, including the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the Energy+ Partnership, and Power Africa.
This chart is based on data from the fact sheet, Power Sector Opportunities for Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Virginia.
Read about additional analyses in WRI’s fact sheet series, Power Sector Opportunities for Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
Missouri can meet about 70 percent of EPA’s emission rate target for the state between 2020 and 2030 with the following measures:
In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed emissions standards on existing power plants, World Resources Institute board members released the following statements:
WASHINGTON—Today, the Obama Administration released the first national standards to limit carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.
Using existing infrastructure and new clean energy strategies, Natural State poised to meet forthcoming EPA emissions standards
WRI analysis finds that Arkansas can reduce its CO2 emissions 39 percent below 2011 levels by 2020. These reductions could meet moderately ambitious standards for existing power plants in the near- to medium-term.
Arkansas has already taken steps to reduce its near-term power sector CO2 emissions by implementing energy efficiency policies. And the state has the opportunity to go even further. In fact, new WRI analysis finds that Arkansas can reduce its CO2 emissions 39 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 by implementing new clean energy strategies and taking advantage of existing infrastructure. Achieving these reductions will allow Arkansas to meet moderately ambitious EPA power plant emissions standards, which are due to be finalized in 2015.
Using existing policies and infrastructure, Volunteer State can meet future emissions standards
WRI analysis finds that Tennessee can reduce its CO2 emissions 41 percent below 2011 levels by 2020. These reductions would meet or exceed ambitious EPA power plant emissions standards.
CO2 reduction opportunities using available infrastructure include:
Using existing policies and infrastructure, the Gopher State can meet future emissions standards
WRI analysis finds that Minnesota can reduce its CO2 emissions 31 percent below 2011 levels by 2020. These reductions would meet or exceed moderately ambitious EPA power plant emissions standards.
Wisconsin has already taken strides to reduce its near-term power sector CO2 emissions by implementing cost-effective clean energy policies. And the state has the opportunity to go even further. In fact, new WRI analysis finds that Wisconsin can reduce its CO2 emissions 43 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 by extending its existing clean energy policies and taking advantage of existing infrastructure. Achieving these reductions will allow Wisconsin to meet even ambitious EPA power plant emissions standards, which are due to be finalized in 2015.
Using existing policies and infrastructure, Badger State can meet future emissions standards
WRI analysis finds that Wisconsin can reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 43 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 by extending its clean energy policies past 2015 and making better use of existing infrastructure.