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This policy brief by RMI argues that virtual power plants (VPPs)—aggregations of distributed energy resources like batteries and smart thermostats—have reached a scale capable of replacing traditional power plants but are not being adequately integrated into utility long-term planning. The document highlights that while VPPs are increasingly mentioned in regulatory filings, they are often not modeled as selectable resources on an equal footing with conventional generation, leading to a risk of inefficient grid overbuilding.

This report by RMI argues that the United States is well-positioned to lead the next-generation geothermal supply chain by leveraging existing oil and gas expertise, but warns that targeted policy and research are required to avoid bottlenecks and capture economic benefits.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the gap between the recognition of systemic climate risks—interconnected risks across hazards, sectors, and borders—and their operationalization in adaptation governance. Through a comparative analysis of Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the authors find that while systemic language is increasingly present in high-level strategies, day-to-day decision-making, funding, and mandates remain fragmented and focused on individual hazards or sectors. The report proposes a conceptual framework for systemic adaptation based on systemic risk framing, policy interlinkages, and the management of deep uncertainty.

Heat pumps are increasingly cost-competitive with gas furnaces due to their superior efficiency, producing two to five times more heat than the electricity they consume. In the U.S., residential heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces for four years, and their adoption in industry could boost GDP by over $50 billion by 2050. Other alternatives like hydrogen are deemed less viable due to higher costs, safety risks, and lower efficiency.

This report by RMI analyzes the benefits of replacing electric resistance heating and water heating systems with heat pumps in US homes. It quantifies the potential for significant household energy bill savings, reductions in peak electric demand on the grid, and decreases in carbon pollution, while providing policy and program design recommendations to accelerate adoption.

This guide by the World Resources Institute explains how community-based organizations (CBOs) can bridge the gap between low- to moderate-income (LMI) households and clean energy programs. It argues that CBOs are uniquely qualified to design and implement solar initiatives because of their deep local trust and understanding of systemic barriers. The document provides seven specific strategies for CBO engagement and highlights case studies from Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Michigan to demonstrate replicable pathways for equitable solar deployment.

The RMI report 'The State of Utility Planning, 2025 Q2' analyzes integrated resource plans (IRPs) for electric utilities across the United States. It finds that utilities are increasingly projecting higher electricity demand and responding by expanding gas power plant capacity and delaying fossil fuel retirements, leading to a widening gap between projected emissions and net-zero climate targets.

This guide outlines the Renewables Investment for Social Equity (RISE) model, which enables tax-exempt entities to use the IRS 'direct pay' (elective pay) mechanism to deliver affordable solar energy to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. The model allows tax-exempt organizations to own solar systems, install them at low or no upfront cost for residents, and recover costs via the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

This report by Energy Innovation analyzes the projected economic, environmental, and health impacts of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), a 2025 budget Reconciliation legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The analysis compares a "Current Policies" scenario against an "EI House OBBBA" scenario, finding that the bill's repeal of clean energy tax credits and environmental standards would lead to higher energy costs, significant job losses in manufacturing, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and higher premature death rates.

RMI describes the role of solar-plus-battery-storage microgrids in creating community resilience hubs, particularly during extreme weather events like hurricanes. Based on a cohort of leaders from various institutions, the guide outlines five key factors—facility suitability, electricity costs/net metering, energy efficiency, battery sizing strategies, and available funding—that can help non-taxable entities successfully implement microgrid projects in low-to-moderate income US communities.

This report by RMI analyzes the impact and potential of US federal clean energy tax credits on the industrial sector. It finds that these incentives have already spurred significant private investment and job growth, with the potential to bring nearly $235 billion in federal investment to US states by 2030 under a high-growth scenario.

A Global Energy Monitor briefing reports a surge in proposed gas-fired power plants in the United States, driven by speculation over AI energy demand. While the U.S. now has the world's second-largest pipeline of such projects, most remain in early development stages, risking billions in stranded assets if demand forecasts prove inaccurate.

This report by RMI examines the challenges of forecasting large electricity loads—such as data centers and advanced manufacturing—in the United States. It argues that traditional forecasting methods are insufficient for the rapid growth and unique operational characteristics of these loads, which can lead to risks in grid reliability and customer affordability. The document provides a framework for understanding load characteristics, outlines best practices for utilities, and offers specific regulatory actions to ensure forecasts are thorough, up-to-date, and validated.

This research paper examines the human rights records of the BRICS nations, arguing that there is a significant gap between the human rights protections declared in their constitutions and their actual implementation. The authors express concern that the expansion of BRICS to include more autocratic regimes may create a safe haven for governments seeking to avoid Western-led human rights sanctions while pursuing economic and geopolitical dominance.

This briefing examines the implementation of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs), focusing on the European Union's pioneering system and its global repercussions. It analyzes the limited impact of CBAMs on overall emissions reductions compared to domestic carbon pricing, the significant economic risks posed to developing nations, and the resulting fragmented landscape of international trade and climate policy.

This research paper analyzes transportation investments under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), highlighting the tension between funding for public transit and the continued prioritization of personal vehicle infrastructure.

RMI proposes a new financing model where tax-exempt entities (e.g., CDFIs, green banks, and local governments) act as third-party owners of solar assets for low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. By utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) 'direct pay' mechanism and bonus tax adders, these entities can monetize credits that LMI homeowners cannot, reducing energy burdens and increasing solar adoption. The paper details implementation steps, identifies potential owners, discusses challenges such as CDFI certification and domestic content requirements, and highlights early adopters in Georgia, Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland, and New York City.

This guide by RMI outlines how Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) can use regulatory actions to ensure utilities leverage the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to reduce costs for ratepayers. It provides four case studies from Washington, Georgia, Oregon, and New Jersey, demonstrating proactive, mid-planning, procurement-stage, and program-design interventions to improve grid affordability and reliability.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute examines the impact of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) on the U.S. auto manufacturing workforce. It identifies high-risk job categories, emerging skill requirements, the influence of AI and vertical integration, and the challenges regarding job quality and unionization in the 'Battery Belt' and Southern states.

This report by RMI outlines strategies for developing equitable electric vehicle (EV) charging and shared mobility solutions for lower-income residents of multifamily housing in the United States, based on engagements in Portland, Atlanta, and Phoenix.