Over the past several years, EPRI has undertaken an Efficient Electrification research initiative to help the electric power sector and related stakeholders identify cost-effective and resilient strategies to produce and use clean energy. Entergy Corporation has joined with EPRI to conduct modeling and scenario analysis exploring the potential for adoption of advanced electric technologies in three end-use sectors – buildings, transportation, and industry. Utility-level analyses were carried out using detailed end-use modeling techniques developed by EPRI along with data and insights provided by Entergy. Overall, this study identifies numerous opportunities for Entergy to assist customers with regard to the efficient electrification of end-use technologies. Following are key insights from Task 4:
- There is a high potential for electrification of light-duty vehicles; however, the timing and speed of future electric vehicle adoption is highly uncertain and depends on numerous factors.
- The market for medium-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles is currently very early-stage but could develop quickly.
- Non-road transportation equipment offers many near-term solutions for customers, with many new technologies in development.
- Favorable climate conditions within Louisiana and Texas are expected to be the primary driver for residential heat pump adoption.
- Rooftop heat pumps represent a viable alternative to gas heating in commercial buildings, while large ceiling fans and infrared comfort heaters can allow for the electrification of previously unconditioned spaces.
- Electric foodservice equipment can offer multiple secondary energy and non-energy benefits to customers.
- Electric process heating can help to reduce costs, improve productivity and product quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions for manufacturing.
- New pipeline projects in the Gulf Coast region could lead to significant opportunities for electrifying natural gas pipeline compression stations.
- Emerging technologies have a tremendous potential to meet statewide decarbonization goals while significantly improving societal and customer benefits.