A new analysis concludes that Massachusetts can meet its projected 2050 peak electricity demand using only zero-emissions technologies, enabling the retirement of fossil fuel peaker plants while maintaining system reliability and managing costs. The state has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which requires replacing existing peaker facilities with clean alternatives.
The report was published by the Massachusetts Clean Peak Coalition, comprising Clean Energy Group, Berkshire Environmental Action Team and Slingshot, with analysis carried out by Synapse Energy Economics.
According to the analysis, full decarbonisation of peak electricity supply is feasible and cost-effective, even as electrification increases overall demand and shifts peak demand towards winter. A least-cost portfolio combining demand-side measures, energy storage and wind generation is identified as capable of meeting projected 2050 peak demand.
When climate and public health impacts are included in the assessment, the clean portfolio is found to be more cost-effective than continued reliance on gas peaker plants or combustion-based alternatives such as hydrogen or renewable natural gas.
The coalition sets out four recommendations: incentivising demand-side measures to reduce peak demand in summer and winter; prioritising medium- and long-duration energy storage to maintain reliability during winter peaks; addressing local siting constraints and community considerations in wind development; and incorporating climate and public health impacts into cost-effectiveness evaluations.
The report concludes that retiring fossil fuel peaker plants is achievable within a zero-emissions framework, provided that policy decisions support clean technologies and account for system reliability and community impacts.
