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This briefing by RMI discusses the role of US states in industrial decarbonization, using a case study of Washington state to illustrate the potential for emissions reductions, the resulting increase in electricity demand, and the policy levers available to states to maintain industrial competitiveness.

RMI's technical pathways analysis for Washington's Emission-Intensive, Trade-Exposed (EITE) industrial sectors indicates that existing and near-term technologies can reduce emissions by 39% by 2034, supporting the potential for updating the state's Cap-and-Invest program with sectoral benchmarking and new allowance reduction schedules after 2034.

This policy brief by RMI examines how US governors are addressing rising electricity costs, which have increased by an average of 23% over the last decade. The document highlights actions taken by governors in at least 14 states since 2023 to balance immediate customer relief with long-term system cost containment, while warning against superficial measures like one-time bill credits that do not address underlying affordability challenges.

An Ember report analyzing National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) indicates that EU gas demand is in terminal decline, with a projected 7% decrease by 2030 compared to 2023 levels, while the bloc shifts toward a more electrified economy powered by clean electricity.

Ember provides recommendations to the European Commission to improve the governance and reporting of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to better support Europe's energy transition beyond 2030.

This report by Ember analyzes the final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of EU Member States to project the bloc's energy trajectory for 2030. The findings indicate a structural shift toward a cleaner, electrified economy characterized by declining gas demand and rising renewable energy generation, though some targets still fall short of REPowerEU ambitions.

This RMI briefing evaluates three 'retrofit-ready' multifunction mechanical system approaches—fully packaged, partially packaged, and distributed—designed to reduce the cost and disruption of decarbonizing multifamily buildings in California by integrating heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water systems.

This report by RMI provides best practices for reforming energy efficiency incentive programs to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps. It argues that current programs are often too complex, deterring participation—particularly among low-to-moderate income (LMI) households—and recommends streamlining applications, aligning equipment specifications, and tailoring incentives to local climates to better support decarbonization goals.

In 2024, wind and solar combined to produce 17% of US electricity, surpassing coal (15%) for the first time. While electricity demand rose by 3%, solar generation grew by 27%, adding more generation than gas to meet this demand. Despite the growth in clean energy, overall power sector CO2 emissions rose slightly by 0.7% because gas generation increased to meet rising demand, though carbon intensity reached a record low.

This report by Ember analyzes the impact of the UK government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan on energy import reliance. It finds that while the plan significantly reduces gas imports for electricity generation, the wider UK economy remains vulnerable due to continued reliance on imported oil for transport and gas for domestic heating. The report argues that comprehensive electrification of heating and transport is necessary to fully stabilize energy bills and enhance national energy security.

RMI's briefing analyzes the cost-effectiveness of transitioning from gas-burning heating and water heating equipment to electric heat pumps in Southern California. The analysis finds that current and upcoming state, local, and utility incentives can make heat pumps cheaper than conventional gas equipment, even without federal funding, though fragmented application processes and limited funding levels hinder widespread adoption.

RMI proposes a 'whole-systems' approach to energy efficiency that combines electrification with 'energy end-use efficiency'—reducing the actual energy services required. By focusing on land-use, passive design, and material circularity, the report argues that overall energy demand can be reduced by 50-75% in some sectors, far exceeding the COP28 goal of a 4% annual improvement rate.

This policy brief from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines the economic, health, and security benefits of transitioning Canada to a net-zero electricity grid by 2050. It argues that electrification across all sectors will require doubling or tripling electricity generation, which can be achieved through renewables to lower household costs, improve public health, and enhance energy independence.

Ember's response to the EU's energy security fitness check consultation argues that the EU must accelerate the energy transition to achieve self-sufficiency and eliminate reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly from Russia, by 2027.

This guide by RMI outlines the application of thermal batteries to decarbonize heating in the United States chemical and petroleum refining sectors, which contribute 5% to 6% of US greenhouse gas emissions. It details how these batteries store electricity as heat in materials like graphite or bricks to provide high-temperature heat for industrial reactions and distillation, potentially reducing heat emissions by up to 99%.

RMI advocates for integrating building decarbonization with resilience efforts to combat climate-driven power outages and emissions. The briefing emphasizes 'passive measures'—such as envelope retrofits—as a priority to manage peak electricity demand, lower utility costs, and significantly extend the 'hours of safety' for occupants during extreme heat and cold.

Ember outlines four strategic recommendations for the new EU Energy Commissioner to accelerate the decarbonisation of the EU economy, focusing on smart electrification, grid modernization, agri-photovoltaics, and open energy data.

A briefing by Ember outlining four primary policy recommendations for the new EU Energy Commissioner to accelerate the clean energy transition, focusing on grid infrastructure, open data, agri-PV, and smart electrification.

This document is a summary of testimony provided by Dr. Karl Hausker of the World Resources Institute to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce on July 24, 2024, regarding strategies for the deep decarbonization of the United States economy.

This executive summary, based on the report 'X-Change: The Race to the Top', analyzes the global competition between China, Europe, and the United States to lead the energy transition. It highlights China's current dominance in cleantech manufacturing, innovation, and electrification, while noting that the United States and Europe are beginning to increase their investments to catch up.