Future of Power
Substantial reduction of US greenhouse gas emissions will require widespread decarbonization of the power sector and the economy. Experts at RFF are undertaking research and policy engagement activities that holistically evaluate market designs and local, state, and federal policies to facilitate a smooth transition to a decarbonized power sector.
RFF's Future of Power Initiative
Experts at RFF are working to holistically evaluate market designs and state and federal policies to facilitate a smooth transition to a decarbonized power sector.
Read About the Initiative
Reducing Risk in Wind and Solar
Read about how financial hedges can reduce investment risk.
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Clean Energy Standards
Read our issue brief on options available to federal and state policymakers.
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Carbon Capture and Storage
Modeling how carbon capture and storage technologies will affect emissions and the economy
Clean Power Plan
Analyzing policy solutions for states to achieve compliance
Coal
Analyzing the role of coal in the global and domestic energy sectors
Electricity Markets and Regulation
Exploring how these markets respond to uncertainties
Electrification
Exploring emissions reductions through electrification of the US economy
Energy Efficiency
Examining policies to help close the existing energy efficiency gap
Nuclear Energy
Examining the implications of advancing nuclear power technologies for the economy and environment
Renewable Energy
Evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy policies
Featured Content
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Explainer — Jun 17, 2020
Energy Efficiency 101
The basics of improving energy efficiency, from how it can reduce energy use and mitigate climate change to the policies in place to encourage people to invest in energy-efficient products.
Resources Articles — Jun 15, 2020
The Rise and Fall of Clean Air Act Climate Policy
RFF University Fellow Nathan Richardson shares his take on whether the Clean Air Act can serve as a viable vehicle for broad climate policy. Spoiler: Nope, probably not.
Press Release — Jun 2, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Adding Subtraction to the Climate Toolkit: Discussing Carbon Dioxide Removal with Wil Burns"
Will Burns explores various technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere, from planting trees to expanding carbon sequestration by phytoplankton in the ocean.
Working Paper — Jul 5, 2018
Retirements and Funerals: The Emission, Mortality, and Coal-Mine Employment Effects of a Two-Year Delay in Coal and Nuclear Power Plant Retirements
A leaked US government memo proposes preventing the scheduled retirement of coal and nuclear power plants for two years. Using a detailed simulation model, we estimate the effects of such a policy on emissions, mortality, and coal-mine jobs.
Working Paper — Nov 29, 2018
The Welfare Costs of Misaligned Incentives: Energy Inefficiency and the Principal-Agent Problem
I measure the welfare costs of the principal-agent problem in the context of an energy efficiency appliance upgrade program. I find that the principal-agent problem turns an otherwise welfare-increasing program into a welfare-reducing program.
Issue Brief — Jan 24, 2019
Clean Energy Standards
Exploring the options available for policymakers to implement a CES at the state or federal level.
RFF Live — May 20, 2020
The Global Energy Outlook: What Has Changed Due to COVID-19?
A discussion on the implications of the coronavirus pandemic for the global energy system.
RFF Live — Apr 30, 2020
Net Zero by 2070: Decarbonizing Global Industry
Assessing the range of technologies and policy interventions available to enable industrial decarbonization
Workshop/Seminar — Mar 5, 2020
EIA AEO2020 Alternative Cases Release: Modeling a Low-Carbon US Electric Sector
Illuminating potential influences as the US power sector transitions over time
Press Release — Jun 2, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Adding Subtraction to the Climate Toolkit: Discussing Carbon Dioxide Removal with Wil Burns"
Will Burns explores various technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere, from planting trees to expanding carbon sequestration by phytoplankton in the ocean.
Press Release — May 5, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Going Deep on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), with Julio Friedmann"
Julio Friedmann demystifies the many complexities underlying CCUS technologies and outlines policies that could facilitate further deployment.
Press Release — Apr 1, 2020
Major New Study Charts Course to Net Zero Industrial Emissions
Interdisciplinary team assesses technology and policy strategies for industrial decarbonization.
Resources Articles — Jun 15, 2020
The Rise and Fall of Clean Air Act Climate Policy
RFF University Fellow Nathan Richardson shares his take on whether the Clean Air Act can serve as a viable vehicle for broad climate policy. Spoiler: Nope, probably not.
Resources Radio — Jun 2, 2020
Adding Subtraction to the Climate Toolkit: Discussing Carbon Dioxide Removal with Wil Burns
Wil Burns explores various technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere, from planting trees to expanding carbon sequestration by phytoplankton in the ocean.
Resources Radio — May 26, 2020
Decarbonizing Global Industry, with Jeffrey Rissman
Jeffrey Rissman explores ways to decarbonize industry, contending that investment in research, technology, and policy is vital to meet climate goals.