Search Climate Insights Directory

This report by RMI analyzes the availability of Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) required to qualify for the US Inflation Reduction Act's 45V Clean Hydrogen Production tax credit. The analysis focuses on the 'three pillars' of the proposed rules—new, nearby, and hourly matched power—and evaluates whether these requirements can be met across seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs). RMI finds that while there is sufficient projected clean electricity capacity to meet current hub goals, the primary obstacles to scaling the industry are underdeveloped EAC markets, data infrastructure, and physical grid bottlenecks rather than a lack of available clean energy attributes.

This briefing by Global Energy Monitor analyzes China's steel industry, focusing on the transition from emissions-intensive blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) production to lower-emissions electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. It evaluates the feasibility of China's 15% EAF production target for 2025 and the potential for a more ambitious 20% target, while identifying obstacles such as scrap distribution and energy stability.

This report by the African Future Policies Hub, APRI, and LSE assesses the economic impacts of a proposed global shipping carbon tax on African states. Using a CGE model and a case study of Ghana, the authors find that while GDP impacts are limited, a shipping levy would increase commodity prices, reduce household incomes, and exacerbate existing freight cost imbalances for African nations. The report recommends that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopt measures that allow for the redistribution of revenues as direct grants to climate-vulnerable countries for out-of-sector mitigation and resilience projects.

This report by RMI analyzes the strategic importance of green hydrogen imports for the European Union to meet its 2030 decarbonization and energy security targets. It argues that domestic production alone will be insufficient to meet demand, particularly in Northwest Europe, and that the EU must urgently address policy gaps in funding, certification, and port infrastructure to facilitate trade with global suppliers like the United States and Australia.

This case study by RMI examines the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub (MCHH), developed in collaboration with Hy Stor Energy, to demonstrate how large-scale geological storage of green hydrogen can enhance energy security and resiliency for the United States and its international partners. The document details how the MCHH can provide a secure, zero-carbon energy supply to critical industrial sectors, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and imported commodities, and support strategic trade partners in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

A September 2023 briefing by Global Energy Monitor analyzing the renewable energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It highlights a significant increase in operational and prospective solar and wind capacity, while noting a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity and a strategic pivot toward high-risk green hydrogen exports over domestic decarbonization.

This RMI fact sheet argues that scaling green hydrogen for a 1.5°C-aligned future will have a minimal impact on global freshwater supplies, as its water consumption is comparable to or lower than fossil-fuel-based hydrogen and other energy production methods. While global impact is low, the document emphasizes the need for intentional project siting and the use of alternative water sources to avoid straining local water-stressed regions.

This research paper analyzes the evolving energy relations between Germany and Africa, noting a shift from traditional development cooperation toward a broader approach combining energy diplomacy, foreign policy, and technical cooperation. The author highlights a tension between Germany's commitment to a 'just transition' and its strategic interests in securing both renewable energy (particularly green hydrogen) and fossil fuel imports to ensure energy security.

This June 2023 report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes China's rapid expansion of utility-scale solar and wind power. It details current operational capacities, projected growth through the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), and the strategic role of large-scale energy bases in the northwest. The document also examines the policy drivers, supply chain advantages, and emerging trends such as 'source-grid-load-storage integration' and green hydrogen production used to manage the intermittency of renewable energy.

This research paper examines the evolution of German-African energy relations, tracing the shift from a primary focus on development cooperation and energy poverty to a more complex framework involving energy diplomacy, technology-driven cooperation, and strategic geopolitical interests. The author analyzes the tensions between 'green' and 'fossilist' objectives, the risks associated with the roll-out of hydrogen diplomacy, and the trend toward the financialization of development through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This statement, submitted by the Life after Coal Campaign (LAC) and the Fair Finance Coalition Southern Africa (FFCSA) to the Presidential Climate Commission, provides critical comments on South Africa's Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP). The authors argue that the plan is overly skewed toward private sector interests and large-scale infrastructure, specifically green hydrogen, while neglecting social ownership models, local manufacturing, and the urgent needs of coal-affected communities.

This fact sheet by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) examines Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), arguing that the technology fails to meaningfully reduce greenhouse emissions and may prolong dependence on fossil fuels. It details the technical limitations, safety risks, and economic costs of CCS, while contrasting it with more effective climate solutions like renewable energy and demand reduction.

The report outlines a roadmap for decarbonizing India's steel industry to prevent a projected 200 percent increase in sectoral emissions by 2050, proposing five technical levers and six strategic policy objectives to transition toward a green steel economy.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the implications of the European Green Deal (EGD) for the African private sector. It explores how Africa's abundance of critical minerals and renewable energy potential—particularly for green hydrogen—positions the continent as a strategic partner for the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The document identifies financial, technological, and capacity-building opportunities for African companies, while warning against the risk of Africa remaining a mere resource supplier in an unequal partnership.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the strategic intersection between the European Green Deal (EGD) and the African private sector. It explores how the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 creates opportunities for African companies in green hydrogen, critical minerals, and sustainable technology, while warning of potential 'lock-in' effects where Africa remains a mere resource supplier.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has seen a 57% increase in operational renewable energy capacity since May 2022, though it remains heavily dependent on oil and gas for over 90% of its electricity. While there is a massive pipeline of future projects totaling 361 GW, approximately 60% of this capacity is earmarked for green hydrogen production and export rather than domestic decarbonization.

The Kenya Energy Transition & Investment Plan (ETIP) 2023-2050 outlines a strategic roadmap for Kenya to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The plan identifies an 'Orderly Transition' pathway that balances environmental sustainability with economic growth, requiring approximately USD 600 billion in capital investment. This transition focuses on the rapid deployment of renewables, electrification of transport, and the adoption of clean cooking technologies, while leveraging green growth opportunities in hydrogen and low-carbon manufacturing to create an estimated 500,000 net new jobs.

This report examines the role of international finance institutions (IFIs) in supporting the transition to low-carbon steel production, particularly in emerging and developing economies. It finds that IFIs have historically had limited exposure to the steel sector and are only in the early stages of developing green industrial strategies. However, the report argues that IFIs can accelerate the transition by de-risking first movers, supporting the development of green hydrogen and circular economy strategies, and creating demand for green steel through sustainable procurement in infrastructure projects.

This briefing by RMI argues that green hydrogen is entering a rapid growth phase known as an "S-curve," moving from pilot projects to the creation of new markets. The document outlines how decreasing renewable energy costs, increased policy action, and expanding industrial demand are driving the technology toward mass-market adoption, offering significant economic opportunities for first-movers across the value chain.

This policy brief by RMI argues that the European Union must utilize the European Hydrogen Bank and targeted subsidies to mitigate market and first-mover risks to accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen. The document suggests that strategic public investment can unlock hundreds of billions in private capital, ensuring energy security and sustainability for industrial and transport sectors.