How Solar and Energy Storage Can Support Massachusetts’ Clean Energy Transition

To meet its emissions reduction targets and decarbonization goals, Massachusetts – like many states – is working towards the electrification of its building and transportation sectors. While these efforts will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, electrification will also increase the region’s electric demand, which is projected to double from 2020 levels by 2050. This, in turn, could lead to a new round of investment in fossil fuel generation.

A new report prepared by the Applied Economics Clinic on behalf of Clean Energy Group and Vote Solar makes the case that behind-the-meter solar and solar paired with storage systems are an underutilized but essential key to meeting Massachusetts’ rising electricity demand cleanly, affordably and equitably – and that, with the right program and policy adjustments, clean behind-the-meter resources could offset increases in demand, rendering new fossil fuel investments unnecessary.

In this webinar, panelists from Clean Energy Group and Vote Solar will present the report and discuss its findings. There will be an opportunity for panelists to answer questions from the audience.

Panelists:

• Todd Olinsky-Paul, Clean Energy Group
• Elena Weissmann, Vote Solar
• Tanya Stasio, Applied Economics Clinic

This webinar is the first in a two-part series. Part 2 focuses on scaling solar and storage in Massachusetts’ environmental justice communities, identifying barriers and recommending revisions to existing programs and policy; read more here.