Latest US power demand study advocates for all-of-the-above energy approach

Pop quiz: What do energy experts and some House Republicans currently have in common? They’re both advocating for an all-of-the-above energy approach to meet the United States’ rising power demand.

A new US National Power Demand study from S&P Global Commodity Insights commissioned by multiple energy entities, including the American Clean Power Association and the American Petroleum Institute, found that to satisfy the “record electricity demand growth over the next decade,” renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy will need to be used, along with resources like batteries. This conclusion echoes that of other energy researchers and a letter sent by 21 House Republicans earlier this month underscoring the importance of using nonrenewables and clean energy to respond to energy demand.

Over the next 15 years, the study said, the US’s needs could increase up to 50% as a result of data centers, electric vehicles and heating, and “underlying economic growth.” And that demand can be solved by a diverse supply of energy—specifically, more than 900 gigawatts of renewable power and batteries alongside 60 to 100 gigawatts of gas power.

“A diversified portfolio of generation technologies will be needed to ensure planning reserve margins are met and grid reliability is maintained,” the study noted.

And as S&P Global said, “the stakes are high”—which echoes a recent move by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to increase power to meet demand, regardless of whether it’s from a renewable source. David Shepheard, an energy expert at Baringa, told Tech Brew earlier this month that the FERC’s decision was based on the reality that renewable energy isn’t currently as dispatchable as its alternatives.

“The problem is you can’t get the energy at the time that you need it,” Shepheard said. “What we need is battery and gas-fired generation to back it up, or new nuclear [power] at some point.”

The study also mentioned nuclear power having a place in the mix, though it said the technology won’t be “at scale until [the] next decade.”