Pathways to a Net-Zero Future

A broad portfolio of innovative energy solutions is required to enable the transition to low-cost, low carbon energy systems. Under the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), a collaboration between GTI Energy and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), we are researching and exploring pathways to leverage low-carbon resources and technologies capable of transforming our energy systems to meet the urgent challenges presented by climate change.

LCRI recently conducted an integrated modeling analysis to evaluate technology pathways for achieving economy-wide, net-zero CO2 emissions in the United States by 2050. Multiple net-zero scenarios were evaluated under different constraints and assumptions, highlighting different pathways for how net-zero systems could unfold. In all scenarios, it’s evident that research, innovation, and systems thinking are required. The results of this study are clear — optionality drives affordability. We need to deploy a full menu of technology solutions to enable affordable energy transitions. This includes renewable energy sources and electricity, and just as important is the need to leverage gases, liquids, infrastructure, and efficiency.

Here are a few of the key insights from the LCRI Net-Zero 2050 Study.

Low-Carbon Fuels

Low-carbon gaseous and liquid fuels increase across all net-zero scenarios, accounting for 19–36% of total final energy consumption in 2050. Hydrogen arises as a versatile energy carrier serving multiple sectors, including blending with the pipeline gas supply, direct use in fuel cell vehicles, process heating for industry, storage for firm electric generating capacity, and as a feedstock for producing synthetic natural gas and liquid fuels. Bioenergy emerges as another key low-carbon resource, with advanced cellulosic biofuels providing low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based liquid fuels. Coupling biofuels production with carbon capture and sequestration makes it possible to achieve atmospheric carbon dioxide removal — these negative carbon flows can offset positive emissions in other sectors that have relatively high costs of direct abatement.

Infrastructure

Gas infrastructure plays a crucial role in all net-zero scenarios, providing the energy storage and delivery capacity required to meet peak energy demands. The composition of pipeline gas varies between the scenarios, including mixtures of fossil, renewable, and synthetic natural gas, along with blended hydrogen. Across the net-zero scenarios, pipeline gas continues to serve industrial processes, seasonal building heating demands (especially in colder climates), and firm electricity generating capacity.

Efficiency

Efficiency gains are foundational for achieving net-zero targets in all scenarios. Across energy sectors and value chains, technological improvements and efficient energy carriers enable significant reductions in primary energy consumption and associated carbon dioxide emissions.

Making the transition to low-cost, low carbon energy systems will require collaboration between a diversity of stakeholders around a broad portfolio of innovative technology options. Under LCRI, GTI Energy and EPRI are aligning low-carbon technology development and deployment efforts in collaboration with customers and communities to drive towards decarbonization at scale.