Decarbonizing the US Energy System

Hendrickson, Thomas P.; Abhyankar, Nikit; Mohanty, Priyanka; Mayfield, Kimberley K.; Kirkendall, Whitney; Stanley, Alexander J.; Stack, Stephen; Yang, Hung-Chia; Satchwell, Andrew J.

doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-112321-091927

Decarbonizing the US Energy System

Journal Article · Sat Jul 27 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Annual Review of Environment and Resources

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-112321-091927· OSTI ID:2480307

Hendrickson, Thomas P. ^[1]; Abhyankar, Nikit ^[1]; Mohanty, Priyanka ^[1]; Mayfield, Kimberley K. ^[2]; Kirkendall, Whitney ^[2]; Stanley, Alexander J. ^[2]; Stack, Stephen ^[3]; Yang, Hung-Chia ^[1]; Satchwell, Andrew J. ^[1]

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

Recent rapid and unexpected cost reductions in decarbonization technologies have accelerated the cost-effective decarbonization of the US economy, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions falling by 20% from 2005 to 2020. The literature on US economy-wide decarbonization focuses on maximizing long-term GHG emissions reduction strategies that rely mostly on renewable energy expansion, electrification, and efficiency improvements to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. While these studies provide a valuable foundation, further research is needed to properly support decarbonization policy development and implementation. In this review, we identify key decarbonization analysis gaps and opportunities, including issues related to cross-sectoral linkages, spatial and temporal granularity, consumer behavior, emerging technologies, equity and environmental justice, and political economy. We conclude by discussing the implications of these analysis gaps for US decarbonization pathways and how they relate to challenges facing major global emitters.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231; AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 2480307

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2563329

Report Number(s):: LLNL--JRNL-862905; ark:/13030/qt81b7h8v1

Journal Information:: Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Journal Name: Annual Review of Environment and Resources Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 49; ISSN 1543-5938

Publisher:: Annual ReviewsCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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