Executive Summary

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and GTI Energy have created the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI) to accelerate the deployment of low- and zero-carbon energy technologies required for deep decarbonization. LCRI is specifically targeting advances in the production, distribution, and application of low-carbon, alternative energy carriers and the cross-cutting technologies that enable their integration at scale. These energy carriers—which include hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic fuels, and biofuels—are needed to enable affordable pathways to achieve deep carbon reductions across the energy economy. The LCRI is focused on technologies that can be developed and deployed beyond 2030 to support the achievement of a net zero emission economy by 2050.

The Research Vision document presents the motivation for the LCRI, research questions that address the initiative's focus areas, and preliminary research plans aimed at advancing critical technologies in support of the LCRI's objectives. This vision is a living document and will be updated over the life of the initiative based upon learnings from the research under the LCRI as well as developments in the broader energy community.

Vision for a Low-Carbon Energy Economy

Achieving net zero emissions across the economy by 2050 will require accelerating a safe, affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy transition and advancing a variety of clean energy technologies and options.

EPRI and GTI have created LCRI to evaluate pathways for deployment of alternative energy carriers in support of decarbonization across the energy economy by mid-century.

The LCRI is focused on a vision of the future global energy system that is decarbonized, consumer-focused, sustainable, and resilient.