Events

Past Event

Out with the Old, In with The New: How to Build a Net-Zero America

March 16, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
America/New_York
Online Online

In order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the United States has to both build massive amounts of wind, solar, and batteries, and simultaneously retire and retrofit significant fossil fuel assets. Understanding the impacts of this transition on communities across the country will be key in ensuring just, equitable, and successful transition to zero-carbon energy resources. 

The Center on Global Energy Policy will host a webinar on how the United States can decarbonize its energy sector in a just and equitable manner. Dr. Jesse Jenkins and Dr. Erin Mayfield will provide an overview of Princeton's Net-Zero America Project, which maps pathways for the United States to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Key questions in this discussion will include: What will it take for the United States to build a net-zero emissions energy system? Why is a 100% carbon-free electricity system pivotal to this challenge? What role do technologies like wind, solar, batteries, nuclear, and carbon capture play in this future?  

While decarbonization will require vast investment in new infrastructure it will also require the retirement of carbon-intensive power plants. Understanding the timeframes, social implications, and costs of retiring these assets will be essential to a just transition. To help understand some of these issues, Dr. Emily Grubert will speak about her recent work on the implications of a 2035 net-zero emissions target on retirements of fossil fuel power plants in the US. 

Moderator: 

  • Jason Bordoff, Founding Director, Center on Global Energy Policy and Professor of Professional Practice in International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

Panelists:

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This webinar will be hosted via Zoom. Advance registration is required. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with access details. The event will be recorded and the video recording will be added to our website following the event.

This event is open to press, and registration is required to attend.

For media inquiries or requests for interviews, please contact Artealia Gilliard ([email protected]) or Genna Morton ([email protected]).

For more information about the event, please contact Caitlin Norfleet or Nicolina DueMogensen ([email protected]).

Contact Information

Center on Global Energy Policy Events