Emerging Energy Technologies

Utility policy plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of climate goals and the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a clean energy economy. The utility sector is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, with the power sector contributing 25% to total U.S. emissions. Currently, about 60% of electricity generation is still derived from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gasses. By creating and implementing effective utility policies, legislators can help steer the energy industry away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more sustainable practices. The benefits from the transition to a clean energy economy cannot be achieved without investing in an efficient, optimized, and modern grid that can effectively utilize new technologies and resources, while also responding to customer needs and decreasing customer costs. The electrical grid plays a pivotal role in the clean energy future by enabling the reliable integration, distribution, and utilization of clean energy resources on a large scale.

Geothermal energy refers to the heat derived from the Earth. Geothermal resources are hot water reservoirs beneath the Earth’s surface that exist naturally or are created by human activities. Through drilling wells, these resources can be utilized for various purposes such as generating electricity, direct applications, and providing heating and cooling. Although conventional hydrothermal resources such as natural reservoirs of steam or hot water, are primarily available in the western states, geothermal energy can be tapped almost anywhere with geothermal heat pumps and direct-use applications.

By capturing and storing energy for later use, energy storage addresses fluctuations in demand and supports a consistent renewable energy supply, allowing solar and wind power to be utilized long after generation. As extreme weather events become more frequent, energy storage helps meet increased demand and lowers costs for ratepayers by adding capacity and reducing operating expenses. It also meets the demands of a just transition by creating steady jobs across sectors.