Market drivers (including data center load growth, shifting fuel prices, and evolving federal incentives) are reshaping energy system investments, while U.S. state clean energy and emissions policies are expanding. This analysis uses EPRI’s U.S. Regional Economy, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Model (US-REGEN) energy systems model to evaluate how policy and market drivers could affect energy technology investments, fuel use, emissions, and costs through 2050. Model results suggest that state policies may accelerate the adoption of emerging fuels and technologies, with the scale and composition set by policy stringency and costs. Electric capacity additions and load growth exceed recent historical rates across most scenarios and regions. Key findings highlight planning needs across resources, sectors, fuels, and geographies to meet growing energy demand while achieving reliability, affordability, and energy and emissions goals.
Authors John Bistline