Report shows Inflation Reduction Act alone won’t set United States on track for net zero

The US’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 represents a $30 trillion investment opportunity in the country’s energy system by 2050, according to the New Energy Outlook: US report, published by BloombergNEF.

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The US’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 represents a $30 trillion investment opportunity in the country’s energy system by 2050, according to the New Energy Outlook: US report, published by BloombergNEF. 

The report details a pathway for the US energy system to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 using the lowest cost technologies available.

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This so-called Net Zero Scenario (NZS) is presented alongside two other scenarios: a Policy Scenario evaluating the decarbonizing impact of key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, and an Economic Transition Scenario (ETS) that deploys the cheapest energy technologies without consideration for climate goals.

The power sector is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the US today, but it is also the sector that is decarbonizing the most rapidly. However, it needs to go farther and faster, as it plays a key role in the country realizing a net-zero economy. BNEF’s modeling finds that the cheapest way for the US to reduce emissions involves scaling up investment in wind and solar power, along with low-carbon dispatchable electricity.

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In BNEF’s Net Zero Scenario, wind and solar installations reach 3,292 gigawatts by 2050, up from 288 gigawatts in 2022. Solar capacity alone reaches 2,065 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2050, split between rooftop systems and large-scale projects.

In all scenarios, remaining coal generation shuts down during the 2030s, but natural gas continues to play a role in the power grid in 2050. In the Net Zero Scenario, all gas generation in 2050 is paired with CCS. The Policy Scenario finds that by 2028, gas generation coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) is cost-competitive against unabated gas, after accounting for tax credits. However, CCS tax credits are set to phase out just when the technology begins to see adoption. If extended through 2050, some 205 gigawatts of gas with CCS would see adoption in the power sector, and this would offset emissions from 45% of gas generation in that year.

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Tara Narayanan, BloombergNEF’s Senior Associate for US Power Markets, said: “As cleaner power becomes key to decarbonizing everything else, the US must address its love affair with gas.“Carbon capture could be a solution to emissions from natural gas, if the subsidies are extended rather than being phased out just when the technology starts to become competitive”.

The Net Zero Scenario entails a $30 trillion investment opportunity across the US energy system between 2022 and 2050; a third more than the base case of $22 trillion in the Economic Transition Scenario. To get on track for net zero, the US will need to rapidly scale up investment over the next decade, rising from the $141 billion invested in energy transition technologies in 2022, to nearly $10 trillion spent cumulatively by 2032 to rapidly cut down on emissions.

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In all scenarios, about half of the funding required through 2050 is driven by consumer-led purchases of electric vehicles. Investment in power grids is also a key enabler for a net-zero transition: BNEF estimates $3.8 trillion could be needed between today and 2050 for system reinforcements, new connections and asset replacements to accommodate rising power demand. A corresponding investment in low-carbon power sources will be needed, to the tune of $5.6 trillion over the same time period.

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The IRA’s impact on bridging this financing gap depends on the amount of additional private sector investment that public sector financial support can attract to the market. “The IRA is a multibillion dollar down-payment on decarbonization, but it, and other policies, will need to stimulate trillions in investment to reach net zero,” says Derrick Flakoll, Policy Associate for North America at BloombergNEF.

This research forms part of a series of regional and sector reports diving deeper into results from BloombergNEF’s global New Energy Outlook, including reports for Europe, Australia, China, Japan, the US and India.

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Report summaries are available at about.bnef.com/new-energy-outlook-series.

Report

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September 6, 2023

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A 4% funding decrease in climate tech during August’23 compared to last month and a drop in deal count, indicates another period of limited growth, as the funding continues to stagnate. In this analysis we will delve into the details, highlighting the top funding rounds, investment across crucial geographies followed by trends in EV charging acquisitions and major investments in battery solutions.

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August’s climate tech funding analysis.  

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This month wrapped up with more than $5.3B in climate tech funding across 198 deals and 420 investors participating. A 4% decrease in funding over the last month indicates another period of limited growth.

About 65% of the total funding this month can be attributed to six mega-rounds (100M+) totalling $3.4B.

The United States attracted the most funding, accounting for $2.1B followed by China and Sweden. Climate tech funding saw a recovery in North America (+87% MoM), while it plunged in Europe (-50% MoM). Asia saw a modest increase of 13% MoM totalling $1.7B, with China accounting for almost 75% of it.

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Sustainable Business Model Canvas

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Download the Tutorial

 

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Sustainable business models:

1. Definition of sustainability: Sustainability refers to the ability of an organization to operate in a way that minimizes its negative impact on the environment, while also meeting the needs of the present and future generations.

2. Business case for sustainability: There is a growing business case for sustainability, as consumers and investors increasingly demand environmentally and socially responsible products and services.

3. Triple bottom line: The triple bottom line is a framework that considers the social, environmental, and financial impacts of an organization’s activities. A sustainable business model should strive to create value across all three dimensions.

4. Sustainable business models: Sustainable business models are designed to create long-term value for all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the environment. Examples of sustainable business models include circular economy models, green supply chain models, and socially responsible investing models.

5. Sustainable product design: Sustainable product design involves considering the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This can involve using sustainable materials, designing products for recyclability, and reducing packaging waste.

6. Sustainable supply chains: A sustainable supply chain involves ensuring that all suppliers and partners in the supply chain operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. This can involve implementing sustainable sourcing policies, reducing waste and emissions in transportation and logistics, and ensuring fair labor practices.

7. Reporting and transparency: Sustainable businesses should be transparent about their sustainability practices and report on their environmental and social impacts. This can involve publishing sustainability reports, participating in sustainability certifications and standards, and engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback.

8. Sustainable finance: Sustainable finance involves integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. Sustainable finance can be used to drive positive environmental and social outcomes, while also generating financial returns.

9. Collaborative action: Addressing sustainability challenges requires collaboration across different stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and consumers. Sustainable businesses should seek to engage with these stakeholders and collaborate on sustainability initiatives.

10. Continuous improvement: Sustainable business models should be designed for continuous improvement, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, improving social outcomes, and creating value for all stakeholders over the long term.

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pgf500 Team

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Sustainable business models are strategies that aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment while also generating long-term economic value.
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These models focus on integrating sustainable practices into core business operations, supply chains, and product/service offerings.
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To turn your company green and adopt a sustainable business model, consider the following steps:

1. Conduct a #sustainability assessment: Assess your company’s current environmental footprint, including energy and resource usage, waste generation, and emissions. Identify areas where improvements can be made.
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2. Set clear sustainability goals: Establish specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide your sustainability efforts. These goals can include reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, or increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
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3. Incorporate sustainable practices: Integrate sustainability into your company’s operations, processes, and culture. This may involve implementing energy-efficient technologies, adopting waste reduction and recycling programs, or encouraging sustainable behavior among employees.
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4. Engage stakeholders: Involve employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community in your sustainability initiatives. Encourage their participation and gather feedback to ensure your green efforts align with their expectations and needs.
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5. Evaluate and improve your supply chain: Assess the sustainability practices of your suppliers and consider partnering with those that share your commitment to environmental responsibility. Opt for sustainable sourcing and consider factors such as fair trade, ethical labor practices, and reduced transportation emissions.
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6. Innovate and develop sustainable products/services: Explore opportunities to create eco-friendly products or services that align with market demand for sustainable solutions. Consider using recyclable materials, reducing packaging waste, or providing energy-efficient options.
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7. Measure and report progress: Regularly monitor your sustainability performance and track progress towards your goals. Transparently communicate your achievements and challenges to stakeholders through sustainability reports, demonstrating your commitment to green practices.
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Remember that transitioning to a sustainable business model is an ongoing process. Continuously assess, adapt, and improve your practices to align with evolving environmental standards and customer expectations.
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pgf500 Team
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