Which statement describes the Hybrid Pathway?

Which statement describes the Hybrid Pathway?

• A. It relies entirely on electric power.
• B. It uses wind energy only.
• C. It uses both electric and low-carbon gaseous fuels.
• D. It eliminates gas usage entirely.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is what a Hybrid Pathway means in decarbonization planning: it combines electricity with low-carbon gaseous fuels to cut emissions rather than relying on one energy source alone. The best answer says it uses both electric and low-carbon gaseous fuels. This approach leverages the strengths of each energy source—using electricity for parts of the system where it’s most efficient and switching to low-carbon gases (like renewable natural gas or hydrogen) for other parts. By pairing these two, you reduce carbon emissions while still taking advantage of existing electrical and gas infrastructure and maintaining system reliability. Using only electric power would be an all-electric path, not hybrid. Focusing on wind energy alone ignores the gas side of the system. Eliminating gas entirely would remove the gas component the hybrid concept relies on.

The main idea being tested is what a Hybrid Pathway means in decarbonization planning: it combines electricity with low-carbon gaseous fuels to cut emissions rather than relying on one energy source alone.

The best answer says it uses both electric and low-carbon gaseous fuels. This approach leverages the strengths of each energy source—using electricity for parts of the system where it’s most efficient and switching to low-carbon gases (like renewable natural gas or hydrogen) for other parts. By pairing these two, you reduce carbon emissions while still taking advantage of existing electrical and gas infrastructure and maintaining system reliability.

Using only electric power would be an all-electric path, not hybrid. Focusing on wind energy alone ignores the gas side of the system. Eliminating gas entirely would remove the gas component the hybrid concept relies on.