Researchers in Germany, from the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech), have challenged the necessity of baseload power plants in energy systems dominated by wind and solar power. They suggest that a combination of solar and wind power, energy storage, flexible electricity use, and hydrogen-powered gas turbine plants can deliver low-carbon, reliable electricity without the need for baseload plants. The researchers emphasize the importance of operating a flexible hydrogen system to help grids respond to changes in electricity consumption and production. The report questions the role of baseload power plants in a future energy landscape and highlights the potential of gas-fired power plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to be implemented at scale within the next two decades. However, significant infrastructure development for CCS and operational considerations for both gas and hydrogen supply systems would be necessary. Addressing emissions from gas production and power plant operations could add costs to these systems. While baseload power plants could find a supplementary role in supporting hydrogen production and reducing the need for imports, the researchers believe that the competitiveness of these plants is likely to decline as renewable energy sources become more prevalent. The analysis underscores that for baseload power plants to contribute to cost reductions, their costs would need to decrease significantly below current forecasts. The report, set to be published in English on the Energy Systems of the Future website in February 2025, aims to provide insights applicable to energy systems globally, challenging the conventional reliance on baseload power plants and advocating for cost-effective, flexible energy solutions.