Search Climate Insights Directory

This case study describes a methodology developed by the Reiner Lemoine Institut gGmbH (RLI) to evaluate the economic potential of hybrid photovoltaic (PV) systems in Africa, specifically for substituting or supplementing diesel-based off-grid power generation.

This case study describes a capacity-building initiative led by Renewables Academy AG (RENAC) in November 2013 to support the Government of Kenya in transitioning rural diesel-powered mini-grids to PV-diesel hybrid systems.

A case study on the installation of a 3 kWp off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system at the Yandup Island Lodge in Panama to replace diesel generation.

This executive summary by the Climate Policy Initiative examines the role of payment security mechanisms in mitigating off-taker risk to attract foreign investment for India's renewable energy targets. It argues that current mechanisms are inadequate and lack transparency, and proposes a framework for the Indian government to better demonstrate risk coverage to investors.

This technical paper examines off-taker risk in India's renewable energy sector, specifically the risk that public sector distribution companies (DISCOMs) will fail to make timely payments. The authors propose a transparent methodological framework for government-sponsored payment security mechanisms (PSMs) to attract foreign investment, arguing that existing mechanisms lack transparency and adequate risk coverage.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) analyzes the relationship between policy frameworks and investment in Germany's renewable energy sector. It evaluates the availability of capital, the cost-effectiveness of different investor mixes, and the impact of specific policy mechanisms—such as incentive auctions and curtailment rules—on the deployment of solar PV, onshore wind, and offshore wind capacity.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the relationship between regulatory frameworks and capital availability for Germany's renewable energy transition. It evaluates how different investor mixes and regulatory mechanisms—such as auctions, funding schemes, and market designs—impact the cost-efficiency and feasibility of meeting national expansion targets.

This policy brief by Energy Innovation argues that avoiding catastrophic climate change requires the 20 largest carbon-emitting countries to rapidly implement a specific set of well-designed, sector-specific energy policies. The author emphasizes that the next 15 years are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and runaway feedback loops, suggesting that the use of 'Best Practice Networks' (BPNs) can provide the technical expertise necessary for countries to design and implement these policies effectively.

This research paper argues that regulators should shift from traditional measure-by-measure energy efficiency tracking to outcome-oriented, economy-wide metrics when tying utility compensation to performance. The authors contend that outcome-oriented metrics are more transparent, easier to monitor, and better aligned with broad policy goals, while reducing the administrative burden and regulatory conflict associated with uncertain savings estimates.

This white paper proposes a Performance Incentive Mechanism (PIM) to encourage utilities to prioritize peak load reduction over capital-intensive infrastructure expansion. The author recommends using an outcome-oriented metric—specifically percentage reduction in peak load—and a sloped, symmetrical compensation structure with upper and lower caps to align utility incentives with system efficiency and customer value.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute provides a historical overview of octane additives in U.S. gasoline, detailing the transition from lead and other petroleum-based aromatics to ethanol due to health and environmental concerns. It discusses the role of the EPA in regulating fuel composition to reduce tailpipe emissions and improve engine efficiency.

A statement from 231 organisations urging the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to reject financing for the Batang coal-fired power plant in Central Java, Indonesia, citing human rights violations and climate impacts.

This case study analyzes the $6.8 billion merger between Exelon and Pepco Holdings, which created the largest utility in the United States. The document uses the contentious approval process in the District of Columbia to identify five broader trends in the U.S. power sector: increased utility consolidation to hedge against volatile wholesale markets, disputes over microgrid ownership, the criticality of rate design equity, the rise of mobilized customer constituencies, and the proliferation of state-level power sector transformation proceedings.

A briefing by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) discussing research on accelerated sea-level rise and the necessary emissions reductions for Canada to meet global climate targets.

This briefing by RMI discusses how energy efficiency upgrades, specifically attic insulation, can increase home resale value and provide additional benefits in terms of operational cost savings, health, and comfort. It references data from Remodeling magazine and the National Association of Realtors to demonstrate that certain energy projects offer higher returns on investment than typical home remodeling projects.

This briefing, presented at Stanford University on March 9, 2016, provides a historical analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) attempts to site nuclear waste repositories and storage facilities. The author argues that the DOE has a history of failing to keep promises and ignoring 'non-consent,' leading to a pattern of litigation and failure in establishing long-term high-level waste (HLW) and spent nuclear fuel (SNF) solutions.

A statement by Friends of the Earth International expressing concern for the safety of Gustavo Castro Soto, the sole witness to the murder of Honduran indigenous leader Berta Cáceres, and calling for his safe return to Mexico.

A letter dated March 2, 2016, addressed to Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia, urging the state to maximize investments in energy efficiency to meet Clean Power Plan goals cost-effectively.

A letter dated March 2, 2016, addressed to Governor Mike Pence of Indiana, urging the state to maximize investments in energy efficiency to meet Clean Power Plan goals cost-effectively.

A letter from a coalition of energy and environmental organizations to Governor John Bel Edwards urging Louisiana to maximize investments in energy efficiency to meet Clean Power Plan goals cost-effectively.