MassCEC is fostering the collaboration and innovation we need to modernize and expand the electric grid to power our buildings, industry, and transportation system with zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions produced by generating electricity are lower than those from transportation or buildings, largely due to the retirement of coal- and oil-burning power plants.
In upcoming years, more clean electricity produced by sources like sun and wind will be interconnected with our electric transmission system to further displace fossil fuels. The addition of large scale battery storage will provide round-the-clock availability of clean energy to Massachusetts businesses and households.
Massachusetts 2020 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
Source: Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030.
The foundation of a net zero emissions grid is an abundant supply of zero-emissions electricity. This electricity can come from renewable energy generators, such as off-shore wind, land-based wind, hydropower, solar power and other sources.
Abundant clean electricity can power an electrified economy, in which heating and transportation are increasingly powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels.
Modern grid infrastructure, demand response, energy storage, and many other emerging technologies and business models can help balance the supply of renewable energy and the demand for electricity across time periods.
Novel, data-rich tools can support the traditional utility planning and management systems in order to identify and prioritize least-cost solutions for the transition.
Working on Grid Innovation?
Are you a grid-related company or organization with an interest in Massachusetts? MassCEC’s Net Zero Grid Team would like to meet you!
Grid Collaboration Proposals
MassCEC supports collaborations between Massachusetts grid owners/operators (such as regulated utilities, municipal light plants, and the Independent System Operator of New England) and Massachusetts-based startups or researchers when those collaborations focus on innovations that can help meet the Commonwealth's GWSA mandates. MassCEC evaluates memo proposals for such projects on a rolling basis, pending the availability of funds. Please reach out to grid@masscec.com before submitting a proposal for such a collaboration project.