Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) opines that the hurried deactivation of thermal power plants without backup energy options can cause more harm than good, as it could further destabilize the country’s energy security.
CERP urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to adopt a thoughtful and balanced strategy for the energy transition. Strengthening renewable energy incentives is essential, but hastily shutting down coal plants without adequate alternatives could harm economic competitiveness, lead to power supply disruptions, and adversely affect marginalized sectors.
“As demonstrated by the voluntary retirement initiatives of companies like ACEN, the private sector’s cooperation is essential, but these moves must be strategic and measured,” said CERP.
CERP suggested that in order to achieve the renewable energy target of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, the country must fast-track investments in clean energy infrastructure that can truly serve as a reliable alternative to baseload fossil fuels.
To ensure a successful transition from fossil fuels, the emphasis should be on scalable and reliable power generation technologies that can meet or exceed the output of retiring coal and natural gas plants. This requires not only investments in advanced infrastructure like grid modernization and energy storage systems but also integrating a variety of renewable energy sources into the power mix.
A key component of this transition is establishing mechanisms that enhance flexibility, such as the use of natural gas plants for backup, alongside diverse energy storage solutions and cutting-edge grid management systems. These measures will enable quick adaptation to supply-demand changes, ensuring stability while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
“The shift from coal requires not just renewable sources, but also robust energy storage systems, expanded transmission infrastructure, and reliable baseload alternatives like LNG and potential nuclear options,” added CERP.
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