Set effective and streamlined regulations
To enable the United States to remain a global leader in emissions reduction and clean technologies, the regulatory environment will need to keep pace with global decarbonisation trends.
United States
The energy policy landscape of the United States has fundamentally changed over the past decade. In many aspects there have been significant improvements, and the country is in a strong position to deliver a reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy system.
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Innovations in oil and gas extraction through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have made oil and gas production from shale formations a mainstay of the US and global energy landscape. The timely siting of supporting infrastructure will be essential to ensuring continued gains from the shale boom.
US government policy is centred on the concept of “energy dominance”, which reflects a strategy to maximise energy production, expand exports and be a leader in energy technologies. Environmental deregulation is a central focus, though it may have implications for the emissions trajectory.
The fuel mix of US power generation is undergoing a considerable transition. Coal power has declined in the last decade as the shale gas boom has made natural gas-fired generators more cost-competitive. Meanwhile, renewable electricity has seen rapid growth as well, driven by reduced costs and policy support, while nuclear is facing more competitive threats. As the US power mix shifts and as more variable renewables are introduced into the system, the question of smoothly and cost-effectively connecting new generation sources to the grid will require more policy and regulatory responses in the coming years.
US government policy is centred on the concept of “energy dominance”, which reflects a strategy to maximise energy production, expand exports and be a leader in energy technologies. Environmental deregulation is a central focus, though it may have implications for the emissions trajectory.
The fuel mix of US power generation is undergoing a considerable transition. Coal power has declined in the last decade as the shale gas boom has made natural gas-fired generators more cost-competitive. Meanwhile, renewable electricity has seen rapid growth as well, driven by reduced costs and policy support, while nuclear is facing more competitive threats. As the US power mix shifts and as more variable renewables are introduced into the system, the question of smoothly and cost-effectively connecting new generation sources to the grid will require more policy and regulatory responses in the coming years.
Last updated Jun 22, 2020
Key energy statistics
Key recommendations, 2019
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Foster the system integration of variable renewable energy
Pursue market regulations that leverage geographic diversity of resources, availability of transmission capacity, and flexible resources such as energy storage (including batteries, hydropower, pumped hydro and hydrogen) and demand response.
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Address midstream bottlenecks
Evaluate the allocation of decision-making authority for the permitting and siting of natural gas pipeline projects in order to identify possible ways to shorten lead times and reduce uncertainty for investors.
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Support energy RD&D efforts
Provide adequate support to international collaboration efforts of US national laboratories and DOE RD&D programmes to maintain global leadership on energy technology innovation.
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Bolster energy system resilience
As threats to energy systems grow, conduct regular and comprehensive assessments of risks and vulnerabilities to foster preparedness, and maintain reliability and resilience in the face of new challenges.
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Events
13 Sep 2019
Energy Policy Review the United States 2019
31 Jan 2019
Modernising Energy Efficiency through Digitalisation - Webinar 1: Introduction to the U.S. Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Program
28 Nov 2018
International CCUS Summit
16 Jan 2018
Hearing: US Senate Energy Committee
Latest news
The US shale revolution has reshaped the energy landscape at home and abroad, according to latest IEA policy review
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Executive Director on official visit to the United States
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United States 2018 In Force State/Provincial
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United States 2018 In Force State/Provincial