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The policy brief examines the barriers to phasing out oil and gas within G20 nations, noting that while renewable capacity has grown, fossil fuel subsidies and deep industrial integration persist. It advocates for measurable phase-out targets, subsidy reform, and increased concessional financing for the Global South to ensure a just energy transition.

The industrial sector accounts for nearly a quarter of US greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, characterized by process-based and high-temperature emissions. Using an analysis of Washington state, RMI demonstrates that emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) sectors—particularly refineries, which produce 68 percent of EITE emissions—could reduce emissions by 39 percent by 2035 and 91 percent by 2050. This transition would require an additional 13,975 GWh of annual electricity by 2050 in Washington, representing a 65 percent increase in industrial demand. To enable this, states must leverage tools such as grid access, permitting reform, and financial supports like green banks to complement federal incentives.

RMI's analysis of Washington's emission-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) industrial sectors indicates that existing and near-term technologies can reduce emissions by 39% by the end of 2034. The report argues that these potential reductions justify updating the state's Cap-and-Invest program after 2034 with sectoral benchmarking and new no-cost allowance reduction schedules to maintain efficiency and equity. To support this transition, RMI provides 18 policy recommendations categorized by focus area—Updating Standards and Regulations, Cap-and-Invest Program Evolution and EITE Treatment, and State Support—and prioritized by urgency.

The document outlines a new energy security framework for Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the transition to clean energy to reduce vulnerabilities associated with fossil fuel imports and geopolitical instability. It advocates for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, the establishment of a grid security framework to counter hybrid warfare, and the expansion of the EU single energy market through harmonized permitting and increased interconnectivity. Additionally, it calls for the EU to adopt an incentive-based investment approach, similar to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, to maintain global competitiveness and avoid reliance on non-EU financing.

The document examines how governors in at least 14 US states have addressed rising electricity costs, which have increased by an average of 23% over the last decade. It identifies key cost drivers, such as grid modernization and natural gas volatility, and evaluates specific state-level interventions including regulatory reforms, energy efficiency programs, and the removal of coal plant subsidies.

The report emphasizes that grid capacity is now a primary driver for data centre investment in Europe. To avoid downgraded forecasts and remain competitive in the global AI race, the author recommends that governments treat grids as strategic infrastructure. Key proposals include the creation of priority AI zones outside congested capital cities, joint spatial planning to locate demand nodes near clean energy sources, and the implementation of non-firm grid connection options to reduce queues. Additionally, the document calls for increased research into data centre flexibility and improved data availability regarding demand profiles and grid capacity maps to inform planning and policy.

The document outlines a new energy security framework for Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing the transition from fossil fuel imports to clean energy to mitigate geopolitical risks. It calls for the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, the creation of a grid security framework to counter hybrid warfare, and the expansion of the EU single energy market through harmonized permitting and increased interconnector investment. Additionally, it advocates for an incentive-based investment approach similar to the US Inflation Reduction Act to maintain European competitiveness and prevent reliance on non-EU financing.

US utilities face a projected 270 GW power gap due to rising demand from AI and electrification and the retirement of coal plants. While utilities are increasingly relying on gas-fired capacity, major turbine manufacturers (GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Power) report delivery timelines extending to 2028-2030 and record backlogs. This supply crunch, combined with rising procurement costs—exemplified by a $900 million cost increase for Duke Indiana's Cayuga plant—creates reliability risks. The report suggests alternatives such as energy efficiency, virtual power plants, grid-enhancing technologies, and clean repowering to meet near-term load growth.

The EU is projected to reduce total gas demand by 7% by 2030 compared to 2023 levels, falling from 326 bcm to 302 bcm. This trend follows a sharp decline between 2021 and 2023, where demand dropped from 404 bcm to 326 bcm. Despite this decline, LNG import capacity is expected to increase by 54% by 2030 relative to 2023, suggesting a risk of over-investment in infrastructure. Simultaneously, the EU is increasing its electrification rate, with National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) indicating a planned increase from 23% today to 30% by 2030, approaching the EU-level target of 32-33%. All 17 NECPs that reported 2030 electricity demand forecast an increase compared to 2023, reflecting a transition toward replacing fossil fuels with domestically generated clean electricity.

The document argues that the current NECP process suffers from incomplete Member State reporting, outdated reporting categories, and poor data accessibility. It recommends that the European Commission enforce full reporting through 2050, expand the reporting template to include electrification rates, energy storage, demand-side flexibility, and grid planning, and mandate digital submissions to create a single, publicly available data source.

Analysis of EU National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) indicates a structural shift toward a cleaner, electrified economy, with gas demand projected to fall by 7% by 2030. The EU is targeting a 30% electrification rate and a 66% share of renewables in electricity generation by 2030. While solar targets are achievable and potentially conservative compared to market outlooks, wind targets face significant implementation challenges due to grid and permitting bottlenecks. The report recommends that the European Commission enforce more comprehensive and digitally accessible reporting for future NECP cycles.

The document explores how distributed energy systems (DES)—technologies that generate and store energy near the point of use—can be implemented by First Nations in New Brunswick to achieve energy sovereignty. It highlights Amlamgog (Fort Folly First Nation) as a leader in this transition, noting its installation of 112 kW of solar capacity and its goal of becoming a net-zero energy community. However, the report identifies significant regulatory barriers, as the New Brunswick Electricity Act grants NB Power a dominant position and restricts the sale of electricity. The author argues that if all 15 First Nation communities in the province adopted community-scale DES, it would provide a capacity margin equivalent to a moderately-sized power plant, improving grid stability during extreme weather events. The document recommends establishing a 'regulatory sandbox' in Amlamgog, amending the Electricity Act to support Indigenous-led projects, and developing a robust business case for the net benefits of DES to ratepayers.

The Union of Concerned Scientists calls for a fundamental shift in how electric transmission systems are planned and invested in to address the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The report emphasizes that current grid planning is unprepared for climate reality and risks perpetuating inequities in marginalized communities. It recommends that utilities, states, and regional transmission operators adopt forward-looking climate risk assessments projecting at least 30 years into the future and integrate energy justice principles—such as shared governance and community advisory boards—to ensure that resilience investments protect the most vulnerable populations.

The report calls for the EU to adopt a 2035 NDC target of at least 72.5% emissions reduction, aligning with a straight-line path toward a 90% reduction by 2040 and net zero by 2050. It emphasizes that a robust, investible target, supported by the Clean Industrial Deal and sectoral policies in energy, transport, and industry, will reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports—which cost the EU EUR 376 billion in 2024—and enhance global competitiveness. The authors advocate for a 'competitive sustainability' approach and strengthened public-private collaboration, citing models from Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands to accelerate the transition.

The report examines the need for grid modernisation and policy alignment in ASEAN to support the transition to renewables. It highlights the current dominance of fossil fuels, the risk of curtailment seen in Vietnam, and the potential of clean flexibility options such as pumped hydro, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and demand-side management (DSM) to ensure grid stability and enable cross-border energy sharing.

The briefing assesses the energy transition of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) region, noting that while some countries have reduced gas demand and integrated grids, Russian gas imports rose in 2024 for several members. It warns that planned expansions of LNG and pipeline capacity by 2030 risk creating stranded assets due to declining demand. The author recommends that the 10th Three Seas Summit focus on a 2027 Russian gas phase-out, the creation of a 'Transmission Highway' for clean power, and the development of regional energy hubs.

The document assesses three types of multifunction mechanical systems designed to reduce the cost and disruption of building decarbonization retrofits in multifamily housing. It examines fully packaged systems (e.g., Systemair Genius), partially packaged systems (e.g., Villara AquaThermAire), and distributed systems (e.g., Ephoca AIO WM paired with SanCO2), focusing on their ability to integrate heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water (DHW) using low global warming potential refrigerants.

The document outlines a comprehensive methodology for creating and assessing corporate transition plans in Vietnam's high-emission industries. It introduces a 'Five Hallmarks' framework for credible plans, provides sector-specific decarbonization criteria for steel, cement, and basic chemicals, and details the use of sustainability-linked financial instruments. It also presents a five-level classification system for financial institutions to evaluate the maturity and ambition of corporate transitions.

The report finds that EU imports of Russian gas increased by 18% in 2024, despite a goal to phase them out by 2027. It highlights a significant misalignment between gas infrastructure expansion and stagnating demand, predicting that supply capacity will exceed demand by 131 bcm by 2030. The document argues that the EU is replacing one fossil fuel dependency with another via LNG, which exposes the region to price volatility and high emissions. It recommends legally binding phase-out targets, reduced gas demand across all sectors, and more efficient use of existing infrastructure to ensure energy security and climate alignment.

The report examines 26 state-level Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs) submitted under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, finding that most plans rely on generalities and high-cost incentives rather than sector-specific strategies. It argues that states must transition from high-level commitments to tailored, long-term roadmaps that prioritize cost-effective tools, such as operating-cost supports and regulatory standards, while leveraging co-benefits like public health improvements and workforce development to maintain American industrial competitiveness against international peers like China and the EU.