Mapping the Energy Transition

The energy transition is a multi-dimensional and complex process that is a crucial step in achieving U.S. climate and electrification goals.

The transition will require major investments in renewable energy production, transmission lines, smart grid monitoring and distribution equipment, and efficient energy storage.

Simultaneously, the transition will require leveraging the adoption of liquid electric fuels and alternative transportation where appropriate.

A multidimensional and complex process, the energy transition is a crucial step in achieving U.S. climate and electrification goals. Explore the facets of the modern energy grid and learn more about the energy transition through the interactive map below, featuring overviews and further readings of each key component.

Explore each node of the modern electrified energy system through the interactive map below and learn more about what we can do together to accelerate our progress toward this vision of the future.
TRANSPORTATION
The electric vehicle market is growing at nearly 30% annually, which is creating new widely distributed electricity demand. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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ENERGY STORAGE
Energy storage is essential for meeting variable energy demands, but deployment is hindered by cost, retrofitting difficulty, environmental concerns, and end-of-life issues. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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MICROGRIDS

Microgrids are useful for harnessing renewable energy resources and meeting demand during periods of national grid disruption. However, challenges related to siting, permitting, installation, and interoperability are limiting their growth.

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LIQUID ELECTRIC FUELS
Hydrogen fuel is an alternative for industries that cannot immediately electrify, such as aviation, steel, rail, and chemicals. The existing pipeline networks make this technology particularly promising, but major cost and efficiency barriers still exist. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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BASELOAD GENERATION
Legacy sources that fuel 86% of the baseload U.S. power demand face challenges in expansion, siting, and transmission as demand is projected to rise by 12% by 2033. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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INTERMITTENT GENERATION
Renewable energy generation is expected to grow by 82% by 2033. However, scaling these technologies is challenged by intermittent sun and wind, transmission inefficiencies, and siting issues. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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DEMAND RESPONSE
The use of smart demand response control systems can enhance grid stability by shifting or limiting electricity during peak demand or insufficient generation for optimal cross-grid efficiency. Despite their promise, their current use is limited. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION
Buildings are responsible for 13% of carbon emissions due to the use of fossil fuel-based HVAC and convenience systems. The carbon footprint of buildings can be reduced by using variable speed motor drives and battery storage. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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TRANSMISSION
The expected 12.2% increase in electrical demand over the next decade highlights the critical need for expanding electricity transmission. However, significant barriers, such as siting transmission lines, semiconductor shortages, and aging hardware, exist. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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DISTRIBUTION
Meeting the future electrical needs of the new electrified energy system through a resilient and reliable distribution network – which is already under pressure – poses one of the greatest challenges. Download QuickFacts View All Details
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