# Decomposing sources of value for electricity and negative emissions technologies in net-zero power systems

## TL;DR

This study examines how different technologies contribute to electricity services in a net-zero US power system, highlighting their roles and value under various decarbonization scenarios.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a detailed model to decompose the value and provision of electricity services by technology in deep decarbonization scenarios.

## Key findings

- VRE, nuclear, and fossil generation with CCS are primarily used for energy provision.
- Storage and combined cycle plants serve both energy and firm capacity needs.
- CDR offsets allow limited fossil contributions for peaking energy.

## Abstract

Deep decarbonization of the US power system would require rapid deployment of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, which are projected to provide a substantial share of electricity generation at the time of net-zero emissions. However, the exact share of generation met by VRE and the roles of other technologies in supplying key electricity services—energy and firm capacity—remain uncertain. This study employs a detailed model of the US power sector to decompose the provision and value of electricity services, including negative emissions, by technology across a range of deep decarbonization scenarios. Results indicate that while technology deployment and the share of services provided by each technology vary significantly depending on future technological and market conditions, the value composition and future roles of individual technologies remain consistent. These findings offer guidance for research and development priorities and provide insights to inform electricity policy and planning.

•VRE, nuclear, and fossil generation with CCS are mostly deployed for energy•Existing unabated fossil and new combustion turbines largely provide firm capacity•Storage and combined cycle plants provide energy and firm capacity•CDR offsets emissions that enable peaking energy contributions from fossil sources

VRE, nuclear, and fossil generation with CCS are mostly deployed for energy

Existing unabated fossil and new combustion turbines largely provide firm capacity

Storage and combined cycle plants provide energy and firm capacity

CDR offsets emissions that enable peaking energy contributions from fossil sources

Environmental science; Engineering; Energy sustainability