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This research paper analyzes institutional barriers and drivers regarding the development of the transmission grid required to achieve a decarbonized Nordic power system by 2050, with a specific focus on current practices in Sweden.

This report by Energy Innovation debunks four common myths regarding the clean energy transition, arguing that decarbonizing the electricity sector is possible without sacrificing reliability or affordability. The authors contend that grid variability, overgeneration, high costs, and the role of natural gas are often misunderstood or based on outdated data, and that demand-side management, regional trading, and energy efficiency are key drivers of a low-carbon future.

This industry brief by GreenCape examines the financial and technical feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on packhouses in the Western Cape, South Africa. It highlights that the primary value of these systems is the replacement of expensive grid electricity with self-generated power during peak daytime cooling and energy-intensive operations, potentially reducing electricity costs by 15%.

This briefing by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the challenges of Germany's energy transition (Energiewende), specifically focusing on the persistence of the coal sector and the resistance from powerful utilities and mining interests against decarbonization policies.

This guide by the World Resources Institute provides a glossary of terms used in COP21 climate negotiations to define long-term emissions-reduction goals. It distinguishes between various technical terms such as decarbonization, carbon neutrality, and climate neutrality, while outlining the requirements for these goals to effectively operationalize the target of limiting warming to below 2°C or 1.5°C.

This report by Energy Innovation describes California's climate and clean energy policy framework, highlighting the state's success in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. It details the combination of performance standards and a cap-and-trade program, the resulting growth in green jobs and clean technology, and the state's influence on federal and other state-level policies.

This research paper examines the impact of energy efficiency (EE) on the costs of achieving the internationally agreed 2°C target by 2050, specifically estimating global cost savings up to 2030 by comparing an energy-efficient pathway against an energy-intensive pathway focused on energy supply decarbonization.

A statement by WRI Climate Director Jennifer Morgan regarding the 21st meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, framing it as a critical opportunity for a new form of international cooperation to address climate change and transition to a sustainable economic model.

This report by Energy Innovation outlines a three-step framework for improving the performance of publicly-owned utilities (POUs), including municipal utilities, public utility districts, and cooperatives. It emphasizes the use of performance-management practices, governance reforms, and financial restructuring to align utility operations with customer values and public policy priorities.

Energy Innovation analyzed policy combinations using the Energy Policy Simulator to identify a cost-effective path for the U.S. to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP). The report proposes a six-policy package that would meet the CPP's requirement of 32 percent less CO2 emissions from the power sector by 2030 while generating nearly 40 billion dollars in savings between 2016 and 2030.

This fact sheet by Energy Innovation analyzes the economic and environmental costs of delaying the implementation of a recommended energy policy package in the United States. It compares a 'Policy Solutions' package starting in 2016 against a 'Delayed' scenario starting in 2020, both aiming for the same 2030 emissions targets.

This research paper analyzes six models to determine how Mexico can achieve its GHG emission reduction targets of 30% by 2020 and 50% by 2050. The models indicate that while decarbonizing electricity and improving transport efficiency are essential, the specific energy pathways (renewables, biomass, or CCS) vary, with projected GDP costs reaching up to 15% by 2050.

This guide by the World Resources Institute (WRI) provides a framework for evaluating Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which are public outlines of country plans to address climate change starting in 2020. The document outlines six key criteria—intent, scientific alignment, fairness/ambition, process, feasibility, and transparency—to help stakeholders assess the robustness of these political commitments ahead of the COP21 agreement in Paris.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute outlines the expected components and critical evaluation criteria for the United States' Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to be submitted to the United Nations in March 2015, ahead of the Paris climate agreement in December 2015.

This report by Energy Innovation proposes a shift in California's energy policy to meet 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas targets. It recommends replacing the current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Efficiency Savings and Performance Incentive (ESPI) with performance-based carbon and energy intensity standards to better align utility incentives with decarbonization and efficiency goals.

This report by Energy Innovation proposes a shift in California's energy policy to accelerate carbon reductions in the electricity sector to meet 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas targets. The authors recommend replacing the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) with a performance-based carbon standard and reforming energy efficiency incentives by transitioning to per capita intensity standards for electricity and natural gas.

This briefing by RMI outlines a strategic framework for China to transition away from fossil fuels by 'reinventing fire' through innovation and leapfrogging traditional industrial paths. The document focuses specifically on the first of three proposed 'gamechangers': achieving oil-free mobility through vehicle lightweighting, electrification, logistics optimization, and the adoption of advanced biofuels and hydrogen.

This case study describes the Climate Policy Initiative's (CPI) methodology for identifying effective public financial interventions for low-carbon projects, using large-scale renewable energy in California as an example.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) proposes a transformative energy strategy for China termed "Reinventing Fire." The authors argue that China can decouple economic growth from fossil fuel dependence by focusing on three "gamechangers": oil-free mobility, integrative design for radical efficiency in buildings and industry, and a redefined, more distributed electric grid.

This guide by RMI provides building owners and managers with a framework for specifying and procuring building energy modeling (BEM) services for new construction, renovations, and operational improvements. It details the benefits of BEM, the different purposes for modeling (comparison, compliance, and prediction), the role of the modeler, and the contracting process, including a sample Request for Proposal (RFP).