This report “An Open Energy Outlook: Decarbonization Pathways for the USA” by Carnegie Mellon University delineates the potential impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, which could lead to a 40% reduction in annual system-wide emissions between 2020 and 2035. However, this report underscores the need for continued interventions beyond the IRA to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Beyond 2035, expanding renewable energy sources, end-use electrification, moderate fuel switching to hydrogen, and carbon CDR technologies are the predominant cost-minimising strategies to achieve net-zero emissions. Notably, source switching, both to electricity and hydrogen, in the transportation and industrial sectors are focal points for divergence between the Current Policy and Net Zero scenarios. However, CDR technologies are necessary to achieve netzero given residual emissions from these sectors. These results highlight the essential role that energy systems models play in developing a national decarbonization strategy.
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