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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 outlines a strategic approach to financing the first 10,000 zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India by addressing four primary risk categories—product, customer, operational, and residual value—to unlock capital and establish a foundation for market scale.

This RMI guide argues that allowed Return on Equity (ROE) for US electric utilities is currently set too high, exceeding the actual Cost of Equity (COE) required by investors. This discrepancy creates a 'capex bias,' incentivizing expensive capital projects over cost-effective solutions and increasing customer bills. By correcting flawed model assumptions—such as overestimating growth rates and using arithmetic instead of geometric means—and debunking myths about capital access and credit ratings, regulators can lower ROEs to reduce consumer costs and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

This policy brief by RMI explores the use of advance market commitments (AMCs) as a public procurement tool to decarbonize the concrete and cement sectors, specifically focusing on the United States.

RMI's briefing analyzes the cost-effectiveness of transitioning from gas-burning heating and water heating equipment to electric heat pumps in Southern California. The analysis finds that current and upcoming state, local, and utility incentives can make heat pumps cheaper than conventional gas equipment, even without federal funding, though fragmented application processes and limited funding levels hinder widespread adoption.

RMI proposes a "Power Couples" strategy to meet the surging electricity demands of AI data centers in the United States. This approach involves pairing large electricity consumers with new-build wind, solar, and battery resources located near existing generators with approved grid interconnections, allowing for rapid deployment of clean energy without compromising grid reliability or increasing costs for other ratepayers.

RMI presents a strategic framework for utility cost control featuring 7 strategies and 16 regulatory levers. The framework aims to counter rising utility costs—driven by infrastructure spending, fossil fuel reliance, and outdated regulatory incentives—by promoting cost-efficiency, better planning, and coordinated regulation to ensure grid reliability and ratepayer affordability.

This briefing by RMI outlines how local governments in Texas can accelerate the deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs) to enhance grid reliability, reduce costs, and increase resilience against extreme weather.

This briefing by RMI discusses the financial barriers to the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India and proposes the adaptation of global financial models—specifically risk-sharing facilities, tailored insurance, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)—to accelerate market growth.

This briefing explains the nature and function of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, detailing how these national climate plans serve as frameworks for emissions targets, financial needs, and the global energy transition.

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.

The RMI report 'Accelerating Zero-Emission Trucking Policies' provides a global policy handbook and a specific roadmap for India to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) to address rising trucking demand and emissions.

This guide by RMI explains the function, types, and potential of thermal batteries as a decarbonization tool for industrial heating and grid stability. It details how these systems convert renewable electricity into stored heat using abundant materials, offering a cheaper and less complex alternative to hydrogen for high-temperature industrial processes.

This briefing by RMI provides a guide for technology providers and partners to navigate the execution of first-of-a-kind (FOAK) industrial heat decarbonization projects in the United States. It identifies common cost-inflating pitfalls—such as poor customer connections, inaccurate site evaluations, and ambiguous contracts—and offers five recommended practices to increase the likelihood of reaching a final investment decision (FID). The document emphasizes that successful FOAK projects are essential for creating replicability and unlocking a potential 2%–5% overall emissions reduction in the US.

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 technical appendix details the benefit-cost analysis (BCA) methodology used by RMI to evaluate seven transmission projects. It outlines the calculation of three core benefits—congestion relief, resource adequacy, and public policy savings—and describes the financial models used to determine costs based on ownership structure (investor-owned, public power, or independent merchant).

This case study examines the 'Varanasi model' for scaling rooftop solar (RTS) in India under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. By coordinating state, district, and city administrations with utilities and banks, Varanasi significantly increased RTS installations between February and December 2024, providing a blueprint for other Indian districts to achieve renewable energy targets.

This report by RMI argues that the US steel industry faces a critical decision point regarding seven aging coal-based blast furnaces in the Great Lakes region. The author contends that investing hundreds of millions of dollars to 'reline' these furnaces to extend their life by 20 years risks creating stranded assets, perpetuating severe local pollution, and missing the transition to low-emissions steel. Instead, the report advocates for a transition to Hydrogen-Ready Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) coupled with Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) to ensure long-term competitiveness and align with climate goals.

This fact sheet by RMI outlines low-carbon alternatives to conventional ammonia production, which currently relies on the carbon-intensive Haber-Bosch process and Steam-Methane Reforming, accounting for over 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

This case study describes how Orange County Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is reducing methane emissions through a dual strategy of organic waste diversion via composting and the implementation of a 'Smart Landfill Program' (SLP) utilizing automation, drones, and robotic sensors.