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Electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware, making up 26.9% of the state’s total in 2021. Emissions come from electricity generated both in-state and out-of-state which we use to light our homes and heat our businesses. A decarbonized electric grid serves as Delaware’s largest emissions reduction opportunity, as it supports both emission reductions directly from energy production and enables emissions reductions in other sectors.
Delaware has already made significant progress in reducing electricity-related emissions. Since 2005, emissions from electricity use have declined by more than 50%, representing the largest reduction of any sector. This progress has been driven by the shift away from coal, growth in renewable energy, reduced industrial demand and policies such as the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards and participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Looking ahead, Delaware can reduce electricity-sector emissions to nearly zero by 2050, even as demand grows. Modeling shows that expanding in-state solar and offshore wind, adding battery storage, modernizing the electric grid and reducing reliance on imported electricity are key to reaching net-zero.
A cleaner, more resilient grid will not only cut emissions but also improve energy reliability, support affordable energy for residents and enable the transition to electric vehicles, efficient buildings and a stronger clean energy economy statewide.
Below is a summary of electricity generation and grid infrastructure goals, strategies and actions from the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan (PDF). Download the plan for full context.
E1.1. Develop a statewide approach to solving interconnection delays and accelerating the permitting, siting and installation of grid-scale solar projects.
E1.2. Expand financing opportunities for solar energy projects with additional incentives for nonprofit and local government ownership of community solar.
E1.3. Develop solar energy project siting guidance to support identification of optimal sites based on site conditions, land use, equity, natural resources and other concerns.
E1.4. Develop new community solar programs with a focus on providing low- to moderate-income customers with improved access to clean energy.
E2.1. Launch an initiative to support developers, property owners and residents that are considering solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
E2.2. Establish solar incentive programs for municipal and cooperative electric customers.
E2.3. Expand existing renewable energy incentive programs to include solar plus storage systems.
E2.4. Establish standards for the safe interconnection of small-scale residential solar units such as balcony and plug-in solar.
E3.1. Engage local governments and communities to maximize participation in offshore wind initiatives.
E3.2. Foster strategic partnerships with neighboring states to enhance regional cooperative on offshore wind development opportunities.
E4.1. Amend the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act to establish a 2050 target.
E4.2. Explore a Clean Energy Standard to supplement the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards.
E4.3. Conduct a net-zero grid study for Delaware to inform target setting.
E5.1. Explore feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors, including permitting barriers, human health and safety concerns, air and water quality impacts and waste management strategies.
E5.2. Enhance public awareness of small modular nuclear reactor technology by providing clear, accurate information and analyses.
E5.3. Work with neighboring states on a possible regional approach to new nuclear power development.
E6.1. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to assess potential benefits of thermal energy networks, focusing on environmental impact and integration with existing infrastructure.
E6.2. Identify key locations, such as urban neighborhoods, university campuses and industrial zones, where district heating systems could be most beneficial.
E6.3. Partner with utilities, local municipalities, businesses and academic institutions to develop pilot projects for thermal energy networks.
E7.1. Collaborate with neighboring states to develop a multistate solution for transmission upgrades that improve reliability and support the deployment of clean energy generation.
E7.2. Promote deployment of grid-forming inverters and advanced controls to support grid reliability as more distributed energy resources come online.
E7.3. Support deployment of ‘virtual power plants’ to leverage renewable and stored energy to reduce costs and increase reliability.
E7.4. Support efforts to incorporate future climate conditions into energy load forecasting.
E8.1. Update Delaware’s energy efficiency laws to create mandatory energy efficiency goals, including cost recovery.
E8.2. Advance innovative and equitable rate structures for renewables, storage and cost-saving programs.
E9.1. Develop a comprehensive framework to accelerate battery storage deployment by setting targets and streamlining permitting, regulations and grid integration standards.
E9.2. Conduct a battery storage needs assessment to support and inform Public Service Commission and energy utility decision-making.
E9.3. Develop plans to integrate demand response and time of use rates into utility tariffs to optimize the use of battery storage technologies.
E9.4. Support battery storage system adoption through financing opportunities, incentives and the advancement of utility-led demand response programs.
E10.1. Develop enhanced time-of-use rates that incentivize electric vehicle charging during off-peak hours.
E10.2. Integrate electric vehicle charging demand management and vehicle-to-grid technologies into utility system planning.
E10.3. Launch a vehicle-to-grid pilot program to evaluate grid stabilization benefits, revenue opportunities and the feasibility of broader implementation.
E10.4 — Partner with electric utilities to design pilot programs that test various approaches to leveraging electric vehicles for grid stability, ensuring initiatives are evidence-based, cost-effective and scalable.
E11.1. Establish minimum on-site clean energy requirements for new data centers.
E11.2. Develop policies and utility rate structures that prevent the costs of data center-driven infrastructure upgrades, energy demand and water consumption from being passed on to ratepayers.
E11.3. Require data centers to provide long-term energy demand forecasts for utility planning.
E11.4. Establish energy efficiency standards and reporting requirements for data centers.
E11.5. Explore the feasibility of implementing waste heat recovery and water reuse technologies at data centers.
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