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Optimism in the Energy Transition

John E.P. Morrison

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The Elephant in the room

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Roll back of federal incentives

and support for transition to a low-carbon future.

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BUT - The transition is inevitable.

The question is not whether we can make the transition, but rather “Can we make the transition fast enough?”

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Solar

Wind

Gas

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Solar

Wind

Gas

Battery Storage $/kWh

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Batteries

EV’s

Solar

Wind

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Renewables dominate new power-plant construction

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Global investment in energy, in billions of dollars

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Top ten countries for solar and wind penetration

Source: Energy Institute 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy

Is Saudi Arabia next?

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If it were a country the California economy would be the 4th largest behind

  1. USA
  2. China
  3. Germany
  4. California

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Data from 2023

2023 annual energy generation

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Solar, battery storage to lead new U.S. generating capacity additions in 2025

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Duke Energy Resource Plan for the Carolinas

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Carolinas (CAR) region daily generation mix 9/18/2025

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Zero-carbon generation = 51-55%

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Carolinas

48% zero-carbon sources sxsources

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California

56% zero-carbon sources

Texas

51% zero-carbon sources

7/11/2025

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Myth #1

Renewable Energy is unreliable

Actually, It is very reliable.

Winter Storm Uri (TX 2021); Hurricane Florence (NC 2018)

but it is intermittent.

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Carolinas (CAR) Region Energy Mix 7/3/2025 – 7/10/2025

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California (CAISO) Region Energy Mix 7/4/2025 – 7/11/2025

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Texas (ERCOT) Region Energy Mix 7/4/2025 – 7/11/2025

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WQE are

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We are also getting smarter about how and when we use power

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Myth #2

Storage is too expensive

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Solar

Wind

Gas

Battery Storage $/kWh

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Myth #3

Renewable Energy uses too much land

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Land required to met 2035 electricity needs with renewables

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  1. Total amount of land needed by 2035 to achieve our clean power goals with wind, solar and long-distance transmission lines (NREL)

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Comparative Land Use (sq. miles)

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2020

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2021

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2025

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Myth #4

Renewable Energy causes prices to rise

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Electricity rates and bill increases are in line with economy-wide inflation

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Drivers of rising rates:

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  • Natural Gas Price Volatility (New England)
  • Transmission and Distribution Costs (Everywhere)
  • High-Cost Coal Plants (Midwest)
  • Wildfire Costs (CA)

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Source: Energy Innovation

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Conclusion: �A low-carbon future is feasible & the transition is already occurring.

But is the transition fast enough?

No, we need to accelerate the change!

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Tomorrow is

Sun Day

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A Day of Action

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  • EV car show - Elon

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  • Solar home tour - Durham

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  • Sun Day with the Raging Grannies - Greensboro

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  • Sun Day Triangle Festival - Raleigh

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Questions?