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.
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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Clean Power Plan
Analyzing policy solutions for states to achieve compliance
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
Renewable Energy
Evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy policies
Featured Content
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Technology-Inclusive Climate Strategy: An Open Race with Many Winners
Making the case for welcoming a range of potential solutions to tackle the global climate challenge while meeting the world’s energy and economic needs.
Press Release — Feb 12, 2020
New Issue Brief Explores Effects of Two Key Design Choices in Clean Electricity Standards
RFF researchers model the CLEAN Future Act and the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2019.
Explainer — Feb 10, 2020
Forest Bioenergy 101: Generation and Emissions
Forest bioenergy has been heralded by some as a promising renewable energy source and condemned by others as having negative effects on the environment. Here's a review of the basics of forest bioenergy generation and emissions.
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.
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
RFF Live — Jan 22, 2020
RFF Live's Future of Power Event Series: Making Sense of FERC's MOPR Order
Examining the implications of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Minimum Offer Price Rule
Conferences & Panels — Oct 30, 2019
Clean Energy Standards Capitol Hill Briefing
A lunchtime discussion on the effects of and policy considerations for Clean Energy Standards
Press Release — Feb 12, 2020
New Issue Brief Explores Effects of Two Key Design Choices in Clean Electricity Standards
RFF researchers model the CLEAN Future Act and the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2019.
Press Release — Dec 24, 2019
New Episode of Resources Radio: “Was Madrid a COP-Out? Assessing COP25, with Nathaniel Keohane”
Nathaniel Keohane assesses the outcomes of this year’s annual international climate negotiations, called COP25.
Media Highlight — Dec 23, 2019
US Senators Ask for Government Investigation of Coal Tax Credit Program
"Three U.S. Democratic senators have asked the investigative arm of Congress to evaluate a $1 billion-a-year subsidy for burning chemically treated refined coal, after research has shown that some power plants using the fuel produced surging amounts of mercury and smog instead of cutting pollution."
Technology-Inclusive Climate Strategy: An Open Race with Many Winners
Making the case for welcoming a range of potential solutions to tackle the global climate challenge while meeting the world’s energy and economic needs.
What the Minimum Offer Price Rule (MOPR) Means for Clean Energy in PJM
Kathryne Cleary discusses how FERC's recent order expanding its minimum offer price rule might affect renewable energy, nuclear power, and the cost of energy for consumers.
On the Issues: Climate in the Democratic Debate, China’s Carbon Trading Breakthrough, and More
Connecting this week's environmental and energy news to RFF's economic research.