Evaluating renewable portfolio standards and carbon cap scenarios in the U.S. electric sector

This report examines the impact of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and cap-and-trade policy options on the U.S. electricity sector. The analysis uses the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model that simulates the least-cost expansion of electricity generation capacity and transmission in the U.S. to examine the impact of a variety of emissions caps—and RPS scenarios both individually and combined. The generation mix, carbon emissions, and electricity price are examined for various policy combinations simulated in the modeling.

Research highlights► The report examines renewable portfolio standards and cap-and-trade policy options. ► The analysis uses the NREL's Regional Energy Deployment System model. ► A carbon emissions cap and an RPS can be complementary policies.► The cap alone case drives significant renewable generation.► A 25% RPS has similar near term emissions as base cap at similar electricity price.