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Reduction in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-based electric power generation is a primary focus of both the public and private sector. Over 1,500 corporations, representing $11.4 trillion in revenue and 6.5 gigatonnes of carbon emissions, have formally announced their objective of meeting net-zero emissions by 2030. In this paper, we focus specifically on CO2 emissions from electricity consumption, and how corporations can reach net-zero goals with respect to these emissions. We focus on three points: (1) the mathematically and economically correct methodology (Marginal Emission Rate, or MER) for calculation of CO2 footprint in the power sector, (2) a detailed comparative analysis and critique of the generally-referenced alternative methodologies, (3) a detailed analysis of the economic benefits of using MER versus other methodologies to private sector corporations focused on net-zero emissions. This paper presents a mathematical framework for organizations to account for and plan their carbon footprint accurately and efficiently whether it is ex post carbon accounting using RTO published real time nodal MER data, or planning for renewable investment using forecasted MER under various future scenarios.

The creation of a market for steel produced by less carbon-intensive production processes, here called ‘green steel’, has been identified as a means of supporting the introduction of breakthrough emission reduction technologies into steel production. However, numerous details remain under-explored, including exactly what ‘green’ entails in the context of steelmaking, the likely competitiveness of green steel products in domestic and international markets, and potential policy mechanisms to support their successful market penetration. This paper addresses this gap through qualitative research with international sustainability experts and commercial managers from leading steel trade associations, research institutes and steelmakers. We find that there is a need to establish a common understanding of what ‘greenness’ means in the steelmaking context, and to resolve various carbon accounting and assurance issues, which otherwise have the potential to lead to perverse outcomes and opportunities for greenwashing. We identify a set of potential demand-side and supply-side policy mechanisms to support green steel production, and highlight a need for a combination of policies to ensure successful market development and avoid unintended consequences for competition at three different levels: 1) between products manufactured through a primary vs secondary steelmaking route, 2) between ‘green’ and traditional, ‘brown’ steel, and 3) with other substitutable materials. The study further shows that the automotive industry is a likely candidate for green steel demand, where a market could be supported by price premiums paid by willing consumers, such as those of high-end luxury and heavy-duty vehicles.