The United States is on an exciting path to decarbonize its electricity grid, aiming for a carbon-free power sector by 2035. Recent data reveals a remarkable shift: in 2024, 96% of new electric-generating capacity is projected to be zero-carbon, combining renewables, battery storage, and nuclear energy. This surge is largely driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, which introduced substantial tax credits for renewable energy projects and battery storage, spurring rapid growth in these sectors. bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov
Achieving a net-zero grid by 2035 is ambitious but feasible. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that the health and climate benefits of reduced emissions will outweigh the costs of transitioning to 100% clean electricity. However, to tackle the "last 10% challenge"—the final push to full decarbonization—investments in emerging technologies like clean hydrogen, advanced nuclear, and carbon capture are essential. nrel.gov