Public can comment on plan outlining Maine’s path to 100% clean energy by 2040 – Maine Morning Star

Meeting Ambitious Clean Energy Goals: A Pathway to 2040

The Governor’s Energy Office has released a new state report that highlights the possibility of achieving ambitious clean energy goals. The report emphasizes the importance of cost-effectiveness and reliability in implementing strategies to meet these goals. The report, titled “Pathways to 2040,” outlines a plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040 by focusing on electrifying two major sources of greenhouse gas emissions: transportation and heating. The plan also examines various supply and demand variables to assess their impact on costs and reliability.

Aligned with the state’s updated climate action plan, Governor Janet Mills has set key components for achieving the clean energy goal, including the adoption of electric vehicles and high efficiency heat pumps. However, the increased demand for electricity resulting from the adoption of these technologies necessitates the decarbonization of the electricity supply.

The report suggests that Maine’s current and planned renewable energy resources, including the development of three gigawatts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine by 2040, can meet most of the state’s clean electricity needs in 2040.

How to Achieve 100% Clean Energy by 2040

The main pathway outlined in the plan involves electrifying a significant portion of transportation and heating in the state. This widespread electrification is projected to double power demand, with a new winter peak three times higher than the current summer peak. However, the plan proposes meeting these demands primarily through renewable sources such as wind and solar, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The transition away from oil and gas will require not only increased renewable generation but also support from battery storage, imported clean energy, and limited use of combustion-based energy production.

The plan also emphasizes the need to expand Maine’s transmission system and add new lines to connect additional resources. These enhancements will enable greater power movement across the grid and facilitate exchanges with neighboring states, as Maine is part of the electric grid utilized by the rest of New England.

According to the report, this approach is expected to lead to a decrease in electricity costs over time, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

Factors Affecting Cost and Reliability

The report explores alternative pathways that test specific variables related to energy supply and demand, without deviating completely from the baseline proposal. One alternative pathway examines the role of retaining some non-renewable electricity sources in the portfolio. While achieving 100% renewable electricity generation is possible, it would require additional infrastructure and storage capacity, making it more costly than the currently planned approach.

Maine is the most heating oil-dependent state in the country. Adopting a hybrid heating model that maintains some fuel usage, rather than complete electrification, would result in lower peak electric loads. However, this approach would require the cost of purchasing and maintaining dual heating systems, as well as the cost of heating fuel.

Two other alternative routes explore the role of flexible load management, which involves adjusting the timing of electricity usage to periods with less demand to maintain balance with the available supply. These scenarios demonstrate that flexible loads, particularly electric vehicle charging, enhance system reliability by managing demand. Additionally, flexible loads help keep distribution peaks lower, which can reduce transmission and generation costs. The report emphasizes the importance of investing in load flexibility early on to maximize long-term savings.

The draft plan is open for public feedback until December 30, and a final version will be submitted to the governor and Legislature by January 15.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the state’s plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040, focusing on electrifying transportation and heating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The plan also mentions the need to expand the transmission system and connect new resources, which relates to SDG 9’s target of upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries for sustainability. Additionally, the article highlights the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to SDG 13’s objective of taking urgent action to combat climate change. The transition to clean energy also has implications for SDG 11, as it promotes sustainable cities and communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness, and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning

The targets identified are based on the article’s focus on increasing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, developing sustainable infrastructure, integrating climate change measures into policies, and enhancing public awareness and education on climate change.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Investment in renewable energy infrastructure
• Expansion of the transmission system and addition of new power lines
• Increased adoption of electric vehicles and high-efficiency heat pumps

The article mentions the need to decarbonize the electricity supply, indicating a focus on increasing the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources. It also highlights the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The plan emphasizes the importance of expanding the transmission system and adding new power lines to connect renewable energy resources. Additionally, the adoption of electric vehicles and high-efficiency heat pumps can serve as indicators of progress towards clean energy goals.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mainemorningstar.com