Effect of Power Plant Closures on CO2 Emissions

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2014, Issues in Focus

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Significant retirements of nuclear and coal power plants in the United States could change the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by the electric power sector. EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2014 (AEO2014) features several accelerated retirements cases that represent conditions leading to additional coal and nuclear plant retirements in order to examine the potential energy market and emissions effects of the loss of this capacity. CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced when compared to the Reference case in side cases with accelerated coal retirements. CO₂ emissions increase slightly in the Accelerated Nuclear Retirements case. Natural gas and renewables are the primary replacements for lost capacity in each scenario.

Source: EIA