Decarbonization Partnerships
100% Renewable
ZEROgrid Initiative
Akamai continued to partner with the leading-companies in the ZEROgrid Initiative, a collaborative initiative designed to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized, reliable grid by fostering partnerships among corporate energy buyers, grid operators, policymakers, and researchers. The initiative focuses on leveraging corporate actions to address key challenges in grid reliability, decarbonization, and scalability while promoting innovative solutions and frameworks that benefit the energy ecosystem.
Through its Reliability Advisory Initiative (RAI), ZEROgrid facilitates proactive, high-impact discussions and actions to tackle emerging grid reliability challenges, particularly those arising from electrification, renewable integration, and dynamic load growth.
This past year, Akamai worked collectively as a part of the RAI to contribute to bridging the gap between grid operators (RTOs/ISOs) and corporations by creating a collaborative forum for two-way information sharing. The focus is on addressing resource adequacy, improving load forecasting, and supporting emerging clean energy technologies to ensure a resilient and cost-effective grid of the future.
Key Progress and Outcomes from RAI in 2024
Enhanced Two-Way Communication
Goal: Foster open dialogue between corporates and RTOs/ISOs to align corporate energy strategies with grid reliability needs.
Impact: Improved understanding of grid reliability mandates, corporate decarbonization goals, and actionable ways to align these efforts.
Proactive Planning for Load Growth
Addressed challenges posed by rapid load growth from electrification (e.g., electric vehicles (EVs), data centers, manufacturing).
Introduced scenario analysis frameworks to evaluate future demand variability, improving transmission planning and interconnection processes.
Integration of Emerging Technologies
Promoted corporate-driven pilots for emerging clean technologies, such as virtual power plants, demand response systems, and grid-enhancing technologies.
Supported the adoption of innovative solutions by providing evidence-based insights to grid operators.
Focus on Electrification and EV Load
Collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy to align EV charging infrastructure development with grid capacity.
Highlighted the need for managed charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies to enhance grid stability.
Corporate Playbook for Grid Reliability
The RAI developed a comprehensive playbook with actionable recommendations for corporations, focusing on:
Supporting resource adequacy through flexible demand and ancillary services.
Increasing visibility into behind-the-meter (BTM) resources.
Addressing data-sharing challenges to enhance load forecasting.
What Does the Future Hold for ZeroGRID?
The future of the ZEROgrid program is centered on fostering impactful corporate action to accelerate decarbonization, dynamic load management, infrastructure optimization, and collaborative planning. By promoting corporate investments in renewable energy and emerging technologies, ZEROgrid aims to drive substantial emissions reductions while supporting grid reliability. A strong emphasis on load flexibility, smoothing technologies, and emissions-informed planning will ensure that dynamic load management aligns with evolving grid needs. Infrastructure optimization efforts, including clean repowering and the adoption of grid-enhancing technologies, will address bottlenecks and support seamless renewable integration. Additionally, ZEROgrid will continue to champion two-way information sharing between corporates and grid operators, ensuring that planning strategies are collaboratively aligned to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future.
Emissions First Partnership
Akamai continues to work with the Emissions First Partnership (EFP), focused on accelerating global decarbonization. EFP companies are working to reduce our emissions from electricity use with impactful clean energy projects. Akamai believes putting emissions first will maximize our carbon reductions and enable us to have a more significant effect where we operate. Moving beyond megawatt-hour matching to focus on the quantified emissions impact of electricity consumption and generation is at the heart of this approach. In 2024, the EFP made significant strides in refining emissions accounting and promoting effective decarbonization strategies.
Key EFP Initiatives and Developments
Advancement of Emissions Accounting Principles
- The partnership emphasized the importance of recognizing that the emissions impact of a megawatt-hour of electricity consumption or generation varies based on time and location.
- By prioritizing decarbonization, EFP provides stakeholders with confidence that emission reduction claims made by organizations are accurate and impactful.
Promotion of Consequential Emissions Impact Analysis
- Members advocated for the adoption of consequential emissions impact analysis to better understand the real-world effects of corporate renewable energy procurement.
- The approach continued to evolve on the actual emissions reductions achieved, rather than solely on the quantity of renewables purchased.
Engagement with Global Climate Initiatives
- The partnership actively participated in international discussions on climate action, aligning its principles with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
- By collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders, Emissions First contributed to the development of more accurate and impactful emissions accounting standards.
Educational Outreach and Thought Leadership
- Through its blog and publications, Emissions First provided insights into the evolving landscape of emissions reduction and clean energy solutions.
- Topics covered included the climate and social benefits of relaxed market boundaries for low-income countries and the role of market boundaries in enhancing voluntary corporate renewable energy procurement.
Looking Forward with Emissions First
By focusing on these areas, the Emissions First Partnership worked toward creating a more accurate and effective framework for corporate emissions accounting, ultimately supporting global efforts to combat climate change. Through continuous collaboration with policymakers, market leaders, and international climate initiatives, Emissions First seeks to influence the creation of policies and mechanisms that support high-impact corporate action. The partnership also aims to bridge gaps in global renewable energy accessibility, ensuring equitable contributions to emissions reductions, particularly in regions with emerging energy markets.