Search Climate Insights Directory
1,077 results
COP29 in Azerbaijan: A Compromised Climate Conference
The author contends that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan—a country with an authoritarian regime and a growing fossil fuel industry—threatens the summit's potential for real change. The text highlights Azerbaijan's lack of net-zero targets, its expansion of gas production, and its poor human rights record, including the detention of environmental activists. It also criticizes the European Union for increasing gas imports from Azerbaijan, which the author claims bolsters the regime's power. Finally, the document calls for the UN to reform the COP host selection process by introducing mandatory climate action and human rights requirements.
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Document type: Statement
Evaluating the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) in the Power Sector for African Countries
The study finds that the average WACC for African countries (15.6%) is significantly higher than the 10% uniform value often used in planning, with Eastern Africa facing the highest costs. This high cost of capital, driven by low economic development and high risk premiums, disproportionately affects capital-intensive clean energy projects. The authors argue that relying on uniform WACC values misguides policy and recommend localized data and risk-mitigation instruments to attract private investment.
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Document type: Research paper
Governance challenges in Cabo Delgado: spinning wheels in the mud
The research paper analyzes the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) from Cabo Delgado on 15 July 2024, arguing that the exit was driven by financial constraints and poor coordination rather than security improvements. It highlights that the insurgency, involving groups like Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a and linked to ISIS, is fueled by a complex mix of religious extremism, poverty, unemployment, and state violence. The author contends that the withdrawal may have created a security void, as attacks have increased in 2024, and argues that military intervention alone is insufficient without addressing the root governance failures and economic inequalities in Mozambique.
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Document type: Research paper
ASEAN’s clean power pathways: 2024 insights
ASEAN's electricity demand grew by 3.6% in 2023, a rise entirely met by fossil fuels, leading to a 6.6% increase in power sector emissions. While solar and wind costs are falling, the region remains heavily dependent on coal and gas, and hydropower has become less reliable due to climate-induced droughts. The report argues that scaling renewable capacity by 3-5x by 2035, implementing direct power purchase agreements, and expanding the ASEAN Power Grid are essential to meet rising demand and climate goals. It also highlights the potential for a regional compliance carbon market and the importance of a just transition to secure social acceptance.
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Document type: Report
Karpower in Mozambique
A fact sheet detailing the Maputo Floating Thermoelectric Power Plant Project by Karpower in Mozambique, including its technical specifications, partnership with Electricidade de Moçambique, and planned infrastructure.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Computation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) in the Power Sector for African Countries and the Implications for Country-Specific Electricity Technology Cost
The study finds that WACC in Africa's power sector remains high compared to global benchmarks, driven primarily by a cost of equity that is on average double the cost of debt. While WACC is projected to decrease from 18% to 13% by 2070, significant regional disparities persist, with Eastern Africa facing the highest costs and Northern Africa the lowest. The authors argue that using uniform cost of capital assumptions leads to underestimation bias in energy costs and misguides policy, particularly for capital-intensive clean energy projects.
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Document type: Research paper
EU battery storage is ready for its moment in the sun
The EU is experiencing a surge in solar and wind power, which frequently exceeds demand during peak hours, leading to price volatility and negative electricity prices. While renewables are growing, the lack of system flexibility—such as battery storage and interconnectors—forces a continued reliance on fossil fuels during evenings and early mornings. The report highlights that by 2030, excess wind and solar power could reach 183 TWh across the EU, potentially saving €9 billion in annual gas costs if shifted effectively. It specifically notes Germany's role as a leader in battery capacity and suggests that further additions could significantly displace hard coal and gas. The document recommends removing regulatory barriers to co-location, implementing national flexibility strategies in National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), and establishing a comprehensive EU strategy for clean flexibility.
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Document type: Report
Report: Accountability gap in AIIB’s capital market projects
The briefing examines how the AIIB uses capital market projects to leverage private finance while bypassing its own accountability mechanisms, specifically citing the Bayfront project as an example where investments enabled fossil gas projects and harmful renewable energy projects.
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Document type: Briefing
Let’s get greenwashing out of municipal politics
The document argues that fossil fuel sponsorship of political gatherings, specifically the UBCM Convention, constitutes greenwashing and improperly influences municipal decision-making. It links fossil fuel combustion to severe health crises, including 8.1 million annual global deaths from air pollution and extreme weather events in British Columbia such as the 2021 heat dome and historic wildfires. The authors call for a total ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in BC municipalities, drawing parallels to the historical ban on tobacco industry influence in medicine.
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Document type: Statement
ENGIE banks support fossil gas expansion
ENGIE, a major electricity producer with over 100 GW of capacity, continues to generate half of its electricity from fossil fuel plants and is developing new fossil gas projects. This expansion contradicts International Energy Agency projections for electricity decarbonization by 2035 for European and OECD countries and 2040 globally. The document asserts that ENGIE lacks a robust transition plan and calls on French banks to stop financing new gas-fired power plants and demand an end to the company's gas expansion strategy.
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Document type: Statement
ENGIE : les banques soutiennent massivement l’expansion du gaz fossile
Reclaim Finance criticizes ENGIE for continuing to rely on fossil gas for over 50% of its 100 GW installed capacity and for pursuing new gas projects, such as the conversion of the Mejillones plant in Chile and a new plant in Nijmegen, Netherlands. The report highlights that French banks provided $3.4 billion to ENGIE between 2019 and 2023, representing one-third of its total funding, yet most lack robust sectoral policies to exclude gas power. Specifically, it notes that Société Générale's exclusion policy for Combined-Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) is ineffective because its emission threshold of 420 kg CO2-eq/MWh is higher than current CCGT emissions. Reclaim Finance calls on these banks to cease funding new gas projects and demand a transition plan that triples renewable capacity by 2030 instead of merely doubling it.
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Document type: Statement
Onshore Gas in South Africa
The report examines the push for natural gas as a 'transition fuel' in South Africa, contrasting government plans with the environmental and financial risks of stranded assets. It details the activities and financing of Kinetiko Energy's Mpumalanga Gas Project and Renergen's Virginia gas field, highlighting significant concerns regarding groundwater contamination, methane leakage, and a lack of transparency in governance.
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Document type: Report
APPEAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 43(2) OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998 AGAINST AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION GRANTED TO PHINDA POWER PROJECTS (PTY) LTD ON 2 AUGUST 2024
This document is a formal appeal submitted by groundWork and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. The appeal seeks to set aside an Amended Environmental Authorisation (Amended EA) granted on 2 August 2024 to Phinda Power Projects (Pty) Ltd for a 320MW Emergency Risk Mitigation Power Plant in Alton, Richards Bay. The Appellants argue that the decision was unlawful, procedurally unfair, and failed to adequately assess the environmental and climate impacts of switching the plant's fuel source and technology.
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Document type: Statement
Access to information on climate change and human rights
The briefing outlines a UN report by Special Rapporteur Elisa Morgera emphasizing that access to quality, evidence-based information is a fundamental human right essential for climate decision-making. It identifies the threats posed by misinformation and disinformation—specifically regarding 'false or misleading solutions' like natural gas and certain types of hydrogen—and calls for proactive transparency from states and businesses. The document also highlights the contradictory role of digital platforms, which facilitate information sharing but often prioritize profit-driven engagement over information integrity.
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Document type: Briefing
UP TO THE CHALLENGE: ACHIEVING A NET ZERO GRID IN ALBERTA
The report finds that Alberta can almost completely decarbonize its electricity generation within the next decade using wind, solar, and gas with carbon capture. While federal Clean Electricity Regulations are a point of political contention, modelling suggests they have little impact on the long-term supply mix compared to the massive projected growth in electricity demand driven by industrial electrification. The transition's success depends on scaling up transmission infrastructure and maintaining policy stability to attract private investment.
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Document type: Report
No World Order: Lebanon on the Brink
The policy brief examines the risk of an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon, highlighting the potential for regional escalation involving Iran and its allies, and the subsequent impact on the EU. It criticizes the EU's current approach to Lebanon, which it claims prioritizes migration control over structural stability, and calls for a shift toward comprehensive economic support, targeted sanctions against corrupt elites, and active diplomacy to avoid a humanitarian and energy catastrophe.
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Document type: Policy brief
Getting UK offshore wind back into fighting shape
The UK faces a capacity shortfall of approximately 22 GW to meet its 2030 offshore wind targets. While a pipeline of 93 GW exists, the report argues that the current Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction parameters and budgets are insufficient. It recommends a 25% increase in the AR6 auction budget to secure an additional 1 GW of capacity and suggests shifting the CfD focus from price competition to delivery scale to protect the UK from volatile gas markets.
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Document type: Report
A NET ZERO FUTURE FOR MANITOBA THROUGH BIGGER, CLEANER, SMARTER ELECTRICITY
Manitoba's transition to a net-zero economy requires expanding its electricity grid to accommodate significant load growth from the electrification of space heating, transportation, and industry. While the province currently generates 99% of its electricity from non-emitting sources, projections suggest installed capacity may need to double by mid-century. The report compares modelling from Manitoba Hydro and Navius Research, noting a divergence in the projected role of natural gas; Manitoba Hydro's aggressive electrification scenario relies heavily on gas for winter peak demand, whereas Navius suggests a greater role for intermittent renewables and storage. To ensure a cost-effective transition, the report recommends establishing a permanent electricity task force, creating a detailed energy roadmap, expanding the mandate of Efficiency Manitoba, and ensuring meaningful Indigenous participation and ownership in clean energy projects.
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Document type: Report
UN RÉSEAU ÉLECTRIQUE PLUS GRAND, PLUS PROPRE ET PLUS INTELLIGENT POUR UN AVENIR CARBONEUTRE AU MANITOBA
The document analyzes the electrification needs of Manitoba, comparing Hydro-Manitoba's Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) with Navius Research modeling. It concludes that while electricity demand is expected to nearly double by 2050, the pace and method of electrification—particularly in heating—will determine the grid's cost and carbon intensity. The authors recommend a coordinated governance approach, including a permanent decision-level task force and a comprehensive carbon-neutral energy roadmap, to ensure the transition is affordable and inclusive of Indigenous peoples.
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Document type: Policy brief
CLEAN ENERGY ISN’T DRIVING POWER PRICE SPIKES
The report finds that U.S. residential electricity rates have generally kept pace with economy-wide inflation since 2010, and that states with high clean energy growth often see rates rise slower than inflation. Instead, the report identifies natural gas price volatility, wildfire mitigation and liability costs, aging coal plant investments, and rising transmission and distribution costs as the primary drivers of rate spikes. It further argues that the regulated utility business model incentivizes capital-heavy investments over more cost-effective operational solutions, which compounds these costs for consumers.
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Document type: Report