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The report examines the shift from public ownership to private, unbundled utility models in the electricity sector, arguing that these reforms are fundamentally issues of sustainable development. Based on case studies from Argentina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, and South Africa, the authors find that electricity reforms have been primarily driven by financial concerns and donor conditions rather than social or environmental goals. The document advocates for a reform process that addresses the needs of the 1.7 billion people lacking electricity access and aligns investor incentives with a clean energy future to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

WRI analysis indicates that Illinois can reduce CO2 emissions by 35 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 using existing policies and infrastructure, which would align with moderately ambitious EPA standards.

WRI analysis indicates that Tennessee can reduce its CO2 emissions by 41 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 through a combination of infrastructure optimization and clean energy adoption. Key opportunities include increasing the utilization of combined cycle natural gas plants to reduce emissions by 11 percent and achieving 1 percent annual energy savings to reduce emissions by 10 percent. Other measures include expanding combined heat and power (CHP) systems, improving coal plant efficiency, and continuing the growth of renewable energy generation.

The document outlines the difficulties financial institutions face when assessing the materiality of environmental trends in South and Southeast Asia, specifically regarding data availability, contextual analysis, and predictability.

The document argues that COVID-19 recovery plans provide a unique opportunity to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and low-carbon power sector transitions to prevent an emissions rebound and meet 2030 targets.

WRI analysis indicates that Colorado can reduce its power sector CO2 emissions by 29 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 using existing policies and infrastructure. This would meet or exceed moderately ambitious EPA standards, which WRI estimates would require reductions between 28 and 37 percent. Key opportunities include meeting renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, increasing the use of combined heat and power (CHP), maximizing the capacity of natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants, and improving coal plant efficiency.

WRI analysis indicates that Minnesota can reduce CO2 emissions by 31 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 through a combination of renewable energy standards, energy efficiency targets, and the optimization of existing natural gas and coal infrastructure.

WRI analysis indicates that Ohio can reduce its CO2 emissions by 27 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 by leveraging existing state policies and infrastructure. Key drivers include the Renewable and Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), which could yield a 7 percent reduction, and the Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), which could provide a 10 percent reduction. Infrastructure opportunities include increasing combined heat and power (CHP) capacity, improving the operating capacity of combined cycle natural gas (NGCC) plants, and enhancing the efficiency of coal-fired power plants.

The document argues that limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2°C requires a virtually decarbonized power sector by 2050, a goal the world is currently not on track to meet. It asserts that increasing ambition in NDCs requires moving beyond simple renewable energy targets to implement four foundational strategies: enhancing grid flexibility, addressing existing coal assets, implementing institutional changes, and leveraging synergies between power and end-use sectors.

The study calculates India's share of the global carbon budget using four allocation methods and employs four energy-economy models to map low-carbon pathways for the power, industry, and transport sectors through 2050. It finds that while the power sector's 500 GW non-fossil capacity target aligns with these budgets, the industry and transport sectors will become the largest and fastest-growing emission sources, requiring demand reduction and R&D. To support a just transition and ensure emissions reductions, the models suggest a carbon tax of INR 4,000–6,000 per tCO2e (2018 prices) by 2050 for 1.5°C scenarios, noting that India will underconsume its equity-based carbon budget share and requires international finance and technology.

The paper argues that developing countries will provide approximately 80 percent of new global electric generation capacity over the next twenty years, necessitating a shift in international aid from project-specific funding to creating environments for nationwide investment. It defines 'smart renewable energy policy' as government actions that increase the share of renewables in electricity consumption cost-effectively and transparently, based on case studies from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

WRI analysis indicates that North Carolina can reduce its CO2 emissions by 29 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 through a combination of its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS), increased combined heat and power (CHP) capacity, fuller utilization of combined cycle natural gas (NGCC) plants, and improved efficiency at coal-fired power plants.

The document argues that while renewable energy technology is cost-effective, deployment rates are insufficient to prevent severe climate change because private investors are deterred by specific risks. It identifies three primary barriers to power sector decarbonization: inadequate market incentives, lack of public support for siting, and insufficient grid infrastructure. To address these, the paper recommends that governments establish clear renewable energy targets, streamline permitting, and invest in modern electricity grids.

Missouri can meet approximately 70 percent of the EPA's emission rate target for 2020-2030 by utilizing existing policies and infrastructure, including energy efficiency targets, renewable energy standards, and increased utilization of natural gas and combined heat and power. To close the remaining gap and exceed targets, the document suggests increasing energy efficiency goals to 2 percent of sales from 2015 onward and expanding the Renewable Energy Standard to all utilities with a target of 20 percent of total generation by 2030.

Virginia can achieve nearly 80 percent of the EPA's emission rate target for 2020-2030 through planned coal plant retirements and the use of combined heat and power (CHP) and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants. To meet the remainder of the target, the state can implement energy efficiency measures to achieve 1.3 percent annual energy savings and increase renewable energy generation to 15 percent by 2025, leveraging untapped wind and solar potential.

The document examines how a national carbon price would induce emissions reductions across the U.S. economy, with the most immediate and significant impacts occurring in the electricity sector. It argues that while U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts are conservative, empirical evidence from places like British Columbia suggests that carbon pricing can drive substantial behavioral changes and technological innovation. The authors advocate for a combination of carbon pricing and complementary policies, such as R&D funding and energy-efficiency standards, to overcome market barriers and achieve a target of reducing emissions by more than 80 percent by 2050.