Getting to Zero Carbon Emissions in the Electric Power Sector

We summarize insights from 40 studies, collectively outlining two broad pathways to decarbonize electricity: one relying primarily on wind and solar power with support from storage, demand flexibility, and transmission expansion; and a second harnessing these options alongside “firm” low-carbon resources such as nuclear, geothermal, biomass, and carbon capture and storage. Both routes may be feasible but must overcome several challenges. Improving and expanding the portfolio of available low-carbon resources offers a greater likelihood of affordably achieving deep decarbonization.