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The report argues that the RM4P procurement process was designed for gas projects, imposing restrictions that increased renewable energy bid tariffs by over 50% and made gas-dominated projects appear erroneously cost-competitive. Modelling suggests that a technology-agnostic, system-integrated approach could halve tariffs, saving Eskom R8 billion annually (R160 billion over the PPA term) while eliminating the 4 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions produced by the current preferred bidders, 90% of which come from three Karpowership projects.

The document outlines the need for financial, operational, and policy reforms within India's power distribution companies (discoms) to overcome losses and enable the transition to a clean energy future.

The Electrical Grids and Storage Criteria provide a framework for certifying bonds that finance the construction, upgrade, and operation of electricity transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure. Eligibility is based on two main components: a mitigation component, which ensures assets contribute to greenhouse gas reduction or support renewable energy integration, and an adaptation and resilience component, which requires issuers to assess and mitigate physical climate risks. The criteria cover a wide range of assets, from high-voltage transmission lines to battery storage facilities, and include specific methodological notes for determining system eligibility based on emission factors or generation capacity. To maintain certification, issuers must provide pre-issuance, post-issuance, and annual reporting to demonstrate ongoing compliance with these standards.

The report finds that international public finance for gas in low- and middle-income countries is four times higher than for wind or solar, risking a 'dash for gas' that locks economies into high-carbon pathways. It argues that gas is no longer a necessary 'bridge fuel' because renewables are often cheaper and more effective for power, cooking, and industry. The document recommends that international financial institutions end support for gas and instead scale up clean energy finance, focusing on grid integration, technology transfer, and a just transition for workers.

The report finds that international public finance for gas projects in low- and middle-income countries averaged nearly USD 16 billion per year from 2017 to 2019, which is four times the amount provided for wind or solar. It argues that the 'bridge fuel' concept is obsolete due to the urgency of the climate crisis, methane leakage, and the falling costs of renewables. The document recommends that international public finance institutions end all support for gas exploration, production, and long-lived infrastructure, instead scaling up finance for grid integration, technology transfer, and universal clean energy access. Case studies of Argentina, Egypt, and India illustrate risks such as high subsidies, dependence on volatile export markets, and the creation of redundant parallel infrastructures for gas and electric vehicles.

The Electrical Grids and Storage Criteria provide a framework for certifying bonds that finance the construction, upgrade, and operation of electricity transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure. To be certified, assets must meet specific mitigation benchmarks—such as supporting renewable energy integration or operating within a decarbonising system—and satisfy a comprehensive adaptation and resilience checklist. The criteria cover a wide range of assets, from high-voltage transmission lines to battery storage facilities, and include detailed methodological notes for determining system eligibility based on grid emission factors or added generation capacity.

The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Trump administration suppressed, delayed, or sidelined at least 46 clean energy studies from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and seven national labs. This was achieved through a two-tiered review system implemented in May 2018 by Daniel Simmons and Alex Fitzsimmons, which required political sign-off for 'Tier 1' research on politically sensitive topics, such as comparisons between fossil fuels and renewables. The report notes that this system led to at least 25 reports being delayed by over six months, a significant increase compared to the previous 16 years under the Bush and Obama administrations. The document asserts these actions violated the DOE's scientific integrity policy, which prohibits the suppression or alteration of scientific findings.

The report outlines a strategic policy framework to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., aiming for 100% new EV sales by 2030-2035. It emphasizes the need for strong national fuel economy and emissions standards, equity-focused incentives, expanded charging infrastructure, and the growth of domestic battery and vehicle manufacturing. The document also details technical and regulatory requirements for grid integration, including streamlined interconnection, updated building codes, and smart electricity rate designs to ensure a reliable and equitable energy transition.

The report argues that transitioning the U.S. transportation sector to 100 percent electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030-2035, paired with a 90 percent clean grid by 2035, is technologically feasible and economically beneficial. It outlines a strategic framework focusing on national emission standards, targeted financial incentives, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and the growth of domestic manufacturing. The authors emphasize that this transition must prioritize environmental justice and social equity, specifically targeting low-to-moderate-income communities and those disproportionately affected by transportation pollution. Key recommendations include reforming the federal EV tax credit into a point-of-sale rebate, implementing 'made in America' policies for battery production, and streamlining grid interconnection and building codes to support rapid EVSE deployment.

The document defines the technical and environmental requirements for bonds financing electrical grids and storage to be certified, emphasizing decarbonisation pathways and climate resilience.

The document examines the implementation of solar irrigation in three Indian states, focusing on the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. It analyzes the effectiveness of standalone and grid-connected solar pumps, the role of the PM-KUSUM scheme, and the challenges of financing, coordination, and groundwater management. Key findings highlight the success of combining solar pumps with micro-irrigation in Rajasthan, the innovative cooperative and IoT monitoring models in Gujarat, and the use of BLDC pumps and grid-scale solar planning in Andhra Pradesh.

The document outlines California's energy storage strategy, highlighting the progress made toward early procurement goals and the significant capacity increases needed by 2050. It details various storage technologies, the impact of legislative mandates like AB 2514, and the barriers to further deployment, including market rules and the need for long-duration storage to support renewable integration.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) analyzed three methods for valuing energy efficiency in Minnesota: a coal proxy, a gas proxy, and an AVERT/gas blend. The study found that traditional utility dispatch models and locational marginal pricing (LMP) often undervalue energy efficiency by incorrectly designating low-cost renewable resources as the marginal resource, even when expensive fossil-fuel plants are operating. The analysis shows that while avoided energy costs are similar across methods ($24–$27/MWh), avoided emissions benefits vary significantly, being highest when displacing coal ($39/MWh) and lowest when displacing gas ($14–$15/MWh). UCS recommends that regulators adopt transparent, auditable methodologies and remove 'must run' constraints from dispatch models to ensure energy efficiency displaces the most expensive and polluting resources.

The report argues that India's flexibility needs are growing faster than its energy demand, which could impede the deployment of renewable energy if not addressed. It identifies three primary flexibility resources: demand-side response (e.g., agricultural pumping, air conditioning, and industrial loads), improved thermal and hydroelectric powerplant operations, and energy storage (specifically lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro). The analysis demonstrates that a 'balanced portfolio' combining these resources can reduce total system electricity costs by 5% to 8% and carbon emissions by 8% to 12% compared to a base case. Regional analysis shows that states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu face more acute ramping and seasonal flexibility challenges due to high solar and wind penetration, while Uttar Pradesh could potentially export flexibility. The report concludes that achieving these goals requires significant reforms in market design, data collection, infrastructure, and business models.

The document examines the potential of 'flexible demand'—shifting the timing of electricity use—to support a clean energy transition. It contrasts this with traditional demand response, highlighting how advanced metering and smart technology can align consumption with renewable energy production, reduce the need for natural gas 'ramp' plants, and avoid costly infrastructure upgrades. The author identifies key flexible end uses, such as electric vehicle charging and space heating, and proposes three mobilization models: behavioral, price-exposed, and subscription-enrolled. It concludes with recommendations for regulators to align utility incentives and ensure equitable program design.

The report finds that Rhode Island can feasibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70-80% by 2030, 2040, or 2050 by focusing on electrifying transportation and heating, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning the electricity grid to renewables. A critical finding is that updated science on methane leakage from natural gas infrastructure reveals that 2017 emissions were approximately 45% higher than previously estimated in 2016. While the 2050 pathway is relatively low-cost, the 2030 pathway requires a significant spending spike, resembling a 'Green New Deal' approach. The study emphasizes that reaching net-zero requires the complete phase-out of natural gas and further research into industrial decarbonization and carbon sequestration.

The briefing outlines how electric vehicles can serve as flexible grid resources through controlled charging (V1G) and bidirectional energy flow (V2G) to improve grid efficiency and reliability. It identifies key barriers to adoption, including unclear utility roles in some states, regulatory structures that favor capacity building over grid optimization, and high start-up costs for fleet owners. The document proposes collaborative models where utilities provide infrastructure support and innovative rate designs, while customers provide data and real estate, to maximize carbon reductions and lower costs for ratepayers.

The authors propose a market design featuring a regional spot market operated by an independent Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) using locational marginal pricing and security-constrained economic dispatch. To ensure long-term investment in clean resources and manage price risk, the model relies on decentralized bilateral contracts, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), rather than centralized capacity procurement. The authors contend that this approach facilitates the retirement of fossil fuel generation, promotes innovation in distributed energy resources, and minimizes political interference. They emphasize that public policy instruments, such as carbon pricing or portfolio standards, should complement this market structure by internalizing greenhouse gas externalities to accelerate the transition.

The report explores how large utility customers, including cities and corporations, can achieve high renewable energy goals through various procurement models. It details options such as green tariffs, sleeved PPAs, and community solar, while addressing the critical role of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in accounting and disclosure. The document emphasizes the need for collaboration between utilities, customers, and regulators to ensure that the transition to carbon-free energy is cost-effective, avoids cross-subsidization of non-participants, and maintains grid reliability.

The document defines 'resource adequacy' as the availability of all necessary resources—including generation, demand-side resources, and interconnection—to meet electricity demand. It outlines how RAAs can be used by campaigners to argue against the need for coal or gas plants and to challenge the legality of capacity mechanisms. It contrasts the limited, non-binding RAA rules of the 2009 Third Energy Package with the more legally binding framework introduced by the recast Electricity Regulation from 2020, which requires the consideration of interconnection and regional adequacy.