The challenge of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions while at the same time meeting current energy demands can be seen in recent data from the EIA, which shows that CO2 emissions from energy consumption ticked up in 2022 even as coal-fired generation continued its long-term decline. We’ve written a lot recently about how the efforts to decarbonize the U.S. economy have played out across several states, most recently in You Can’t Hurry Love and our newest Drill Down Report.
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- Analyst Insight
Natural Gas Leads the Way on CO2 reductions
The data confirms many folks' belief: The path to a low carbon future is paved with natural gas-fired generation.
- Blog
Can't Help Falling in Love - Hawaii Finds the Move Away from Fossil Fuels is Easier Said Than Done
It has become abundantly clear over the past couple of years that energy transition isn’t going to be a straight line leading directly to abundant carbon-free power and a net-zero world. All sorts of obstacles have popped up, indicating that the energy industry’s trilemma of availability, reliability and affordability not only clash with each other, they can also conflict with environmental priorities. The challenge is being felt now in Hawaii, where a commitment to expanding energy production from renewable sources and tamping down the use of fossil fuels while also keeping prices under control and reducing pollution is turning out to be no easy feat. In today’s RBN blog, we look at Hawaii’s recent efforts to phase out coal- and oil-fired power generation, why that’s turned out to be easier said than done, and what it all means for environmental performance and energy prices.
- Blog
You Can't Hurry Love - Moving Away From Coal, Can Michigan Add Renewables Fast Enough?
If it seems like the push for decarbonization has suddenly picked up the pace lately, Michigan provides proof. Home to the Big 3 automakers and for many the symbolic heart of U.S. manufacturing, its efforts to move away from fossil fuels have long been met with skepticism and resistance. But changing attitudes about climate change and renewable power — and full Democratic control of the state government for the first time in 40 years — have led to a swift about-face in the state’s energy policy. In today’s RBN blog, we examine Michigan’s plans to accelerate its transition away from coal-fired power and the long-term challenges that come with it.
