A Vision for 2050 Clean energy innovation and global ambition create a virtuous cycle of technology cost reductions, enabling emissions reductions greater than 80 percent by 2050. Source: US Department of Energy (2016). Note: Costs in real 2015 dolars Several factors are important in making the Beyond 80 scenario realistic. The first is clean energy innovation. While the technology assumptions in the MCS Benchmark scenario assume current policies and RD&D funding levels going forward, the Beyond 80 scenario envisions increased ambition of decarbonization policies and funding for RD&D, not only in the United States but also in countries around the world, consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Mission Innovation commitment to double government RD&D investments in low-carbon energy technologies. To enable planning for this future, DOE has developed a set of technological assumptions that reflect significant additional progress across all energy sectors, referred to as the "Stretch Technology" assumptions. With the Stretch Technology assumptions, achieving any emissions target is more feasible and less expensive."