Decarbonization Readiness Assessment Mapping Framework

The Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST) has developed the Decarbonization Readiness Assessment Mapping (DREAM) framework, a practical tool to help power system operators evaluate how prepared their systems are to operate reliably as electricity resources change over the next decade and beyond. The framework highlights technical priorities based on the specific characteristics of each system, guiding operators toward targeted actions that strengthen reliability, flexibility, and long-term planning.

Power systems around the world face many of the same operational and reliability challenges as they adapt to shifting resource mixes and new technologies. DREAM offers a structured way to assess readiness and plan next steps. It provides:

• A framework to evaluate system readiness for future grid conditions
• A set of priority actions across key technical areas
• Tailored guidance for different system types and resource pathways

This helps operators and stakeholders focus on the most important steps to maintain reliable, affordable, and secure power as systems evolve.

Users assess their system across four attributes:

• Transmission capacity
• Power flexibility
• System security
• Energy sufficiency

Each attribute is rated High, Medium, or Low based on current capabilities. These inputs are processed through DREAM’s analysis engine, which translates qualitative rankings into readiness scores and identifies both strengths and areas for improvement. Results include:

• A current and goal stage (A to C, based on renewable energy share)
• Overall and attribute-level readiness scores
• A roadmap of priority actions that can be sequenced to improve performance

The DREAM framework describes four stages of power system readiness for operating reliably with higher shares of variable renewable energy (VRE). Detailed descriptions of Stage A (Ready for VRE), Stage B (Integrating VRE), and Stage C (Ambitious VRE) help operators and their partners understand the technical characteristics and challenges of each stage. Each stage is defined by progress in transmission capacity, power flexibility, system security, and energy sufficiency, showing how systems evolve from limited renewable integration to advanced operations with higher levels of variable resources. These common definitions support consistent application of DREAM and a shared understanding among operators, regulators, and policymakers.

DREAM includes fact sheets designed for different system archetypes or starting points. These resources offer tailored recommendations on technical priorities so operators can identify practical steps, plan investments, and learn from systems with similar conditions. The framework is meant to be revisited over time, providing updated insights as systems and contexts change.

• Explore the Overview Guide (how the framework works and what results show)
• Review the Stage Descriptions (A–C)
• Start the DREAM Assessment (enter system inputs to receive your readiness score)