Published Analysis
In-depth articles, interviews, and commentaries from our analysts.
Recent Publications
The Evolving Role of Hydropower in a Variable Renewable Grid
Historically valued for baseload generation, hydropower's role is shifting. This analysis explores how existing dam infrastructure is being adapted to provide crucial grid balancing services, ancillary services, and fast-ramping capabilities to compensate for the intermittency of solar and wind power. We examine the operational changes, market incentives, and regulatory hurdles involved in this strategic pivot for one of America's oldest renewable resources.
Community Solar Initiatives: A State-by-State Comparative Analysis
This article provides a comparative framework for evaluating the diverse community solar programs across the United States. We analyze key policy design elements, including virtual net metering, subscriber compensation rates, and low-to-moderate income (LMI) provisions. By examining case studies from leading states, we identify common challenges and successful models for expanding equitable access to solar energy.
Interview: A Grid Operator on Managing High Penetrations of Renewables
We sit down with a senior grid operator to discuss the practical, day-to-day challenges of maintaining grid stability with a growing share of variable wind and solar generation. The conversation covers advanced forecasting tools, the integration of battery storage, inter-regional power transfers, and the changing skill sets required for the modern control room.
Land Use and Sustainability: Siting Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Projects
The land footprint of renewable energy is a growing area of study. This report synthesizes current research on the land use implications of large-scale solar and wind farms. It covers co-location strategies like agrivoltaics, dual-use land models, and best practices for minimizing ecological disruption during project siting and development, providing a balanced look at the trade-offs involved.
Decoding Federal versus State Energy Policy: A Structural Overview
This foundational piece maps the complex division of authority between federal and state bodies in shaping US energy policy. It explains the roles of FERC, DOE, and the EPA at the national level, juxtaposed with the powers of state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) and legislatures in setting Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), siting rules, and retail electricity market structures.