This report, prepared by EPRI for NYSERDA, examines pathways to support a reliable, zero-emissions electric grid in New York by 2040. It evaluates seven candidate dispatchable emissions-free and enabling resource categories (hydrogen, biofuels, advanced nuclear, carbon capture and storage, next-generation geothermal, long-duration energy storage, and virtual power plants) to assess how they could help meet future reliability needs alongside renewable generation. The study applies a consistent framework to review each technology’s performance attributes, readiness for 2040, emissions, infrastructure and supply chain requirements, costs, and scalability in a New York-specific context. It also compares the technologies by likely grid role and identifies practical “no-regret” actions that can improve readiness across multiple pathways. The findings show that no single technology is likely to meet all system needs on its own, and that a diverse portfolio of resources, early planning, continued innovation, and ongoing reassessment will be important to support reliable decarbonization in New York and other regions pursuing similar goals.
**Citation:**New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA). 2025. “Zero by 40 Technoeconomic Assessment, Final Report.” Prepared by Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA. nyserda.ny.gov/publications
Click here to download: nyserda.ny.gov/publications
Authors James Jerome