New England’s Evolving Grid

Most New England states have set ambitious goals to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050, with some states adopting targets of up to 100%.

By modeling possible versions of the 2033 through 2050 regional grid, ISO New England’s 2024 Economic Study explores how building out a future system with resources like solar photovoltaics (PV), offshore wind, land-based wind, small modular reactors (SMRs), and energy storage (BESS), or adopting demand-side strategies, might achieve emissions goals reliably and cost-effectively. All results are based on modeled future years, and do not represent physically realizable plans, or the ISO’s vision of realistic development.