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The report argues that direct electrification is the most efficient way to decarbonize industrial process heat, outperforming alternatives like green hydrogen, bioenergy, and carbon capture. It identifies three primary barriers: economics (high electricity costs relative to fossil fuels), grid readiness (slow interconnection and outdated planning), and technology maturity (lack of awareness and scale for high-temperature solutions). To overcome these, the authors recommend a combination of financial incentives (such as a Clean Heat Production Tax Credit), grid reforms (including surplus interconnection and real-time pricing), and foundational RD&D and workforce training.

The document argues that despite the COP 28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, production continues to rise, led by wealthy nations. It calls for COP 30 to establish differentiated phase-out timelines based on historical responsibility, mandate annual progress reports, and launch the Belém Action Mechanism for Just Transition. The briefing emphasizes that the transition is economically feasible if Global North countries redirect fossil fuel subsidies and tax polluters to mobilize over USD 5,000 billion annually for climate finance, prioritizing grants over loans to avoid exacerbating debt in the Global South.

A manifesto signed by over 40 civil society organisations urging the European Central Bank to align its monetary policy with climate goals through green refinancing, the exclusion of carbon-intensive collateral, and the redirection of asset purchases toward sustainable firms.

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 document argues that India's next NDC for 2035 should reflect technological progress and corporate ambition to attract investment and ensure energy security. It proposes three pillars for action: raising NDC ambition with clear sectoral targets, implementing consistent policies across power, industry, transport, and nature, and strengthening government-business engagement. The briefing highlights that 99% of Indian executives support a transition to renewable energy and suggests specific policy levers, such as Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) targets and the National Carbon Market, to accelerate decarbonization.

The report uses the SATIMGE modelling framework to compare a least-cost Reference Case against various Policy Scenarios and an 'Ideal Energy Scenario' for South Africa. The Ideal Energy Scenario targets net zero CO2 by 2050 with a cumulative GHG limit of 8 Gt CO2-eq, featuring a systemic shift to 80% public transport, expanded social provisioning for low-income households (including 6.5 million solar water heaters), and a domestic clean energy manufacturing sector with 85% local content. Results indicate that while total system investment costs increase, an affordable and socially inclusive transition is possible, with energy sector employment increasing due to localisation measures, despite a slight relative decline in economy-wide employment compared to the Reference Case.

The report argues that ASEAN's data centre industry requires a more diverse range of corporate renewable procurement options and stronger national sustainability frameworks to ensure sustainable growth. It evaluates various mechanisms—such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), green tariffs, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)—noting that limited availability of these options, particularly in countries like Indonesia, hinders investment. The text emphasizes that national frameworks are essential for managing energy transition risks and improving data transparency, as international standards are not always tailored to regional needs.

The report examines the energy demands of data centres in ASEAN, particularly those driven by AI, and argues that a dual approach of increasing solar and wind power procurement and enhancing energy efficiency is essential. It highlights that current grid emission targets in key hubs are insufficient and suggests that at least 30% of electricity demand in five ASEAN data centre hubs could be met by wind and solar by 2030 without immediate battery storage. The document emphasizes the critical role of cooling systems in tropical climates and the potential for software optimisation to reduce energy consumption.

The report examines the surge in data centre development in Southeast Asia, highlighting how increasing electricity demand—particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines—threatens climate targets due to reliance on fossil-fuel-dominated grids. It argues that without significant investment in solar and wind energy and improved energy efficiency, the digital boom will lead to a substantial rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

The report highlights that data centres in ASEAN could account for 2% to 30% of national power demand by 2030, risking a significant increase in emissions, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It argues that approximately 30% of this demand can be met by solar and wind via grids without battery storage. The document advocates for more accessible corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), national sustainability frameworks, and advanced cooling technologies to ensure the sector's growth does not derail regional decarbonisation targets.

The document introduces a three-part framework consisting of on-the-ground solutions, policy and market-enabling conditions, and state levers. It categorizes electricity system improvements into six areas: system-wide efficiency and demand management, utility-scale clean energy supply, community- and commercial-scale clean energy supply, clean distributed energy supply, improved grid management, and updated grid infrastructure. For each category, the guide suggests specific actions—such as implementing clean portfolio standards, expanding virtual power plants (VPPs), and adopting grid-enhancing technologies (GETs)—and provides sample implementation pathways combining different state levers and market conditions.

The paper examines the link between Japan's energy dependence and its national security, arguing that a shift to renewables is essential for strategic autonomy. It highlights Japan's vulnerability due to importing 97% of its energy and suggests that leading the Asia-Pacific transition could fill a leadership vacuum left by the US. While acknowledging China's dominance in renewable supply chains, the authors contend that diversifying these networks is more feasible than managing continuous fossil fuel imports.

The document analyzes the competitive landscape of green investment in Southeast Asia, highlighting China as the leading public investor in clean energy between 2013 and 2023. It details the specific technological strengths of investor nations—such as Japan's lead in geothermal and solar and China's dominance in wind and hydropower—while examining the strategic frameworks used, including China's Belt and Road Initiative and Japan's Asia Zero Emissions Community. The report also notes significant financing gaps in the region, where annual renewable investments of USD 8 billion fell far short of the USD 27 billion required to meet 2025 targets.

The report evaluates the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) as an economic development tool. Using the Energy Policy Simulator, Energy Innovation estimates that the fund's $24 billion in financial assistance will generate 36,000 to 41,000 annual jobs, $21.3 to $23.9 billion in wages (2025-2031), and $52 billion in consumer energy savings over 20 years. The GGRF operates through national-scale 'Green Banks' via the National Clean Investment Fund and local-level initiatives like the Solar For All and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator programs to mobilize private capital and support disadvantaged communities.

The SFY2025-26 New York State Budget provides significant funding for climate and water initiatives, including $1 billion for the Sustainable Future Program and a record $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund. However, Earthjustice criticizes the budget for entirely omitting funding for the Energy Affordability Program and the NY HEAT Act, and for including amendments that weaken the Electric School Bus program.

Over 10 million US homes still rely on delivered fuels like oil and propane, which are expensive and polluting. Transitioning these households to air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) and heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) could save US customers nearly $8 billion annually in energy bills and significantly reduce carbon and air pollution. The document advocates for state-level policy changes, such as allowing fuel switching in utility energy efficiency programs and implementing clean heat standards, alongside targeted outreach and contractor training to support rural and low-income households.

The report examines the application of transition finance tools—including loans and bonds—to support the decarbonisation of China's steel sector, highlighting the role of regional guidelines in Hebei Province. It identifies a significant funding gap, estimating a need for $18 billion in capital expenditure over the next five years for electric arc furnace (EAF) and hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H2-DRI) technologies. While large state-owned enterprises are leading the transition, the report notes that high costs of green steel and limited scrap steel supply remain major barriers.

The report evaluates Moldova's progress toward climate neutrality by 2050, identifying 'Some Progress' in most sectors but 'Little Progress' in zero pollution. Key challenges include heavy reliance on energy imports, outdated building stock, linear waste management, and a significant financing gap, while enablers include EU accession aspirations and international donor support.

The report finds that while a majority of Armenians recognize the impacts of climate change—particularly on health—and support renewable energy, actual personal engagement in environmental activities remains low at 22%. Public trust in environmental action is highest for educational institutions and lowest for the private sector and NGOs. Significant barriers to participation include a lack of time, financial costs, and indifference.

The report finds that while a majority of Moldovans (61%) perceive their understanding of climate change as good or very good, actual engagement in environmental activities is around 57%. Public priorities for environmental protection are led by access to clean water and sanitation and waste management. There is significant concern (65%) regarding dependence on foreign energy sources, with strong support for developing solar and wind power. Educational institutions are viewed as the most important actors in driving environmental action, while corporate sustainability initiatives receive the highest level of public support. Barriers to individual engagement include a lack of time (62%) and financial costs (34%).