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This research paper examines the 'utility information problem'—the lack of data regarding the locational value of distributed energy resources (DERs)—which obscures the boundaries of the electric distribution utility's natural monopoly. The author proposes that integrated distribution planning (IDP) is necessary to reveal this information, enabling a transition toward a Distribution System Optimizer (DSO) role. The paper evaluates two pathways to this transition: an information-intensive approach compatible with cost-of-service regulation and an outcome-focused approach utilizing performance-based regulation (PBR).

This report by Friends of the Earth International documents systemic human rights and environmental violations by transnational corporations (TNCs) across eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. It highlights cases of corporate impunity, the use of investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms to challenge public health and environmental policies, and the violent suppression of territory defenders. The document advocates for a legally binding international treaty to hold TNCs accountable and the creation of an International Tribunal on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations.

This report by Friends of the Earth International documents systemic human rights and environmental violations by transnational corporations across eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. It argues that a 'architecture of impunity'—composed of free trade agreements, investment protection treaties, and the ICSID arbitration system—shields corporations from accountability while allowing them to challenge public health and environmental policies. The report advocates for a legally binding UN treaty on transnational corporations and human rights, including the creation of an International Court to ensure justice for affected communities.

This briefing note from the International Institute for Sustainable Development details the Indian government's efforts to reform energy subsidies, specifically targeting petroleum products and electricity, to reduce fiscal deficits and improve infrastructure connectivity.

This research paper explores the collaboration between Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and national entities in South Africa and Ethiopia regarding environmental and social (E&S) safeguards for infrastructure. It analyzes the transition toward 'country ownership' of these safeguards, highlighting the tension between MDB standards and national sovereignty. Using the Medupi Power Station in South Africa and infrastructure projects in Ethiopia as case studies, the paper identifies gaps in capacity building and accountability. It recommends the creation of country-specific E&S plans, enhanced regional capacity building based on the Asian Development Bank model, and a stronger role for national Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to ensure sustainable infrastructure development.

The 'Cooling for All' initiative, launched in 2017 by Sustainable Energy for All and supported by the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program, aims to increase access to sustainable, affordable, and efficient cooling solutions. The initiative seeks to align the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to prevent countries from adopting high-carbon, energy-inefficient cooling pathways as global demand rises.

This research paper uses an economic trade model to simulate the impacts of a 20 per cent tariff increase in North American energy, steel, cement, and automobile industries, alongside the potential effects of a border carbon tax, in the context of NAFTA renegotiations.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and groundWork, submitted a letter to the IPP Office of the Department of Energy on 15 September 2017. The letter provides updates on legal and environmental challenges facing three proposed coal-fired power stations: Thabametsi, Khanyisa, and KiPower. The CER argues that these projects fail to meet the legal qualification criteria for financial close or preferred bidder status due to missing climate change impact assessments (CCIA) and pending disputes over environmental and water licenses.

A letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) providing updates and requesting the status of electricity generation licence applications for the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power stations.

This case study describes how women in Sungai Berbari and other villages in Riau, Indonesia, are using forest data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) platform and training from the Women Research Institute to advocate for environmental justice and better land use policy.

This working paper by the Climate Policy Initiative introduces a framework for allocating investment risks in clean power to minimize costs. It argues that rather than a binary choice between public and private finance, risks should be assigned to the party best equipped to manage them—whether private investors, public entities, or consumers—using a combination of ownership models and policy instruments.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the emergence of agricultural growth poles (agropoles) and corridors in Africa. It describes these as coordinated investments in infrastructure and industry designed to transition African agriculture from subsistence to commercial systems. The document outlines the operational challenges facing these projects, the necessity of robust legal frameworks to avoid creating 'enclaves', and a three-step model (vision, design, and implementation) for ensuring responsible and sustainable development.

This research paper outlines a strategy for the United Kingdom to align its post-Brexit trade policy with climate and development goals. It identifies a potential global market of £1.0–1.8 trillion for low-carbon goods and services by 2030 and highlights UK strengths in offshore wind, green finance, and insurance. The authors propose a 'Trade and Climate Checklist' for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), focusing on 'triple wins' such as tariff elimination for environmental goods and increased market access for professional services, while cautioning against the use of contested carbon border adjustment mechanisms.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative argues that existing electricity market designs, based on short-term marginal costs, are ill-suited for a low-carbon transition dominated by variable renewable energy (VRE). The authors propose a bifurcated market model—separating a long-term 'energy market' for commodity production from a short-term 'delivery market' for flexibility—to lower financing costs for capital-intensive assets and provide clearer incentives for flexibility resources like batteries and demand response.

This policy brief by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) analyzes the drivers of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation in Brazil. Based on a study of 5,563 municipalities, the report finds that demand-side factors—such as income (GDP), population size, and electricity tariffs—are more significant drivers of solar adoption than the availability of solar radiation. The authors argue that policies to mitigate climate risk must address these demand-side barriers to encourage adoption in high-potential regions, particularly the poorest areas of the country.

This research paper analyzes the determinants of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation penetration across 5,563 municipalities in Brazil. The study finds that demand-side factors—specifically population, GDP, and electricity tariffs—are more significant predictors of PV adoption than the availability of solar resources. The authors argue that current tariff subsidies in high-potential regions like the Northeast may be hindering PV growth and suggest that climate mitigation policies must address demand-side frictions to be effective.

This report synthesizes over 125 written submissions from stakeholders regarding the Government of Canada's proposed Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). The CFS aims to reduce annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 megatonnes (Mt) by 2030 by increasing the use of lower-carbon fuels and alternative technologies across the transportation, industry, and building sectors.

This guidebook provides a framework and practical options for countries to conduct self-reviews and peer reviews of fossil fuel subsidies (FFSs). It aims to increase transparency and accountability to support the phase-out of inefficient subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, aligning with commitments made by the G7, G20, EU, and APEC.

This executive summary describes a guidebook designed to help countries conduct self- and peer reviews of fossil fuel subsidies (FFS). It outlines the purpose of these reviews as tools for transparency, accountability, and peer learning to support the phase-out of inefficient subsidies. The document details the 'building blocks' of a review—scope, definition, measurement, evaluation, and next steps—and provides practical recommendations based on the experiences of countries such as China, Finland, New Zealand, Peru, and Sweden.

This research paper examines how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) act as both barriers and enablers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attempting to enter global value chains (GVCs) coordinated by multinational corporations (MNCs), with a specific focus on South Africa and Kenya as regional economic gateways.