Search Climate Insights Directory

The document is a case study on SoffitDuct, a prefabricated, lightweight HVAC distribution system designed by Thermaduct and RMI to simplify mechanical retrofits in multifamily buildings by eliminating the need for traditional site-built soffits.

This report examines energy efficiency in electronics manufacturing, specifically within final assembly, testing, and packaging (FATP) facilities. It notes that the electronics industry accounts for over 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and highlights that energy-efficiency measures can reduce energy use in existing facilities by up to 30% at minimal cost.

This report examines how distributed virtual power plants (VPPs) can address energy challenges in island nations, specifically focusing on the Caribbean. Using a case study from the US Virgin Islands, it analyzes how aggregating decentralized energy resources can improve grid stability, resilience, and affordability while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This policy brief outlines how virtual power plants (VPPs)—aggregations of distributed energy resources—can address Michigan's aging distribution grid, blackout incidents, and narrowing capacity for peak demand while supporting clean energy standards of 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040.

This report by RMI provides best practices for reforming energy efficiency incentive programs to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps. It argues that current programs are often too complex, deterring participation—particularly among low-to-moderate income (LMI) households—and recommends streamlining applications, aligning equipment specifications, and tailoring incentives to local climates to better support decarbonization goals.

The RMI report 'Hydrogen — Made in America, For America' argues that the United States must accelerate the development of its hydrogen market to maintain global energy leadership and expand its industrial base. It identifies fragmented policies and poor economics in offtake sectors as primary barriers to growth and suggests specific federal and state policy actions to stimulate demand and investment.

This report by RMI and Evergreen analyzes industrial decarbonization strategies within 26 Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs) submitted by US states and Puerto Rico under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. The analysis finds that while there is a general intention to reduce industrial emissions, state plans often lack the subsector specificity, long-term roadmapping, and cost-effective policy tools necessary for a successful transition. The authors recommend that states move away from a reliance on federal funding, adopt tailored strategies based on local industrial compositions, and better leverage co-benefits such as public health improvements, workforce development, and international competitiveness.

This case study details the professional trajectory of Melissa Le Blanc, illustrating how mentorship and professional networks, specifically the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network, facilitate career advancement for women in the Caribbean's clean energy sector.

This report by RMI examines the potential of advanced transmission technologies (ATTs)—comprising grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors—to expand electricity grid capacity and reliability. While pilot projects in the United States have demonstrated success in increasing capacity and reducing costs, the report identifies significant barriers to scaling these solutions, including risk aversion, financial disincentives, and a failure to integrate ATTs into long-term grid planning. RMI suggests that large corporate energy users can accelerate adoption through policy advocacy and by facilitating coordination between utilities across different service territories.

This report describes a 'waste clinic' conducted by RMI's Waste Methane Initiative (WMI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for municipal officials in Uttar Pradesh, India. The clinic used peer-to-peer exchange and expert guidance to diagnose solid waste management (SWM) challenges and develop actionable work plans across four priority areas: data collection, source segregation, organic waste treatment, and disposal.

This case study by RMI examines the financial risks of stranded assets in Wisconsin, focusing on the early retirement of the Oak Creek Power Plant and the potential for repeating similar mistakes by investing in new gas-fired power plants.

This report by RMI examines the evolution and current state of the United States fertilizer market, focusing on the transition from carbon-intensive ammonia production to low-carbon alternatives. It details various technological pathways for green and blue ammonia, compares the properties of nitrogen-based fertilizers, and identifies systemic barriers to the adoption of sustainable production methods. The document also outlines state and national incentives in the U.S. designed to support the deployment of green fertilizer infrastructure.

The report argues that the European Union's 2020 hydrogen strategy was overly ambitious and requires recalibration to align with market realities. It advocates for a pragmatic, implementation-focused approach that prioritizes 'hard-to-electrify' sectors—such as steel, maritime, and fertilizers—while utilizing a combination of mandates ('sticks') and targeted funding ('carrots') to bridge the cost gap between renewable hydrogen and fossil-based alternatives.

RMI analysis suggests that replacing coal-fired units at Montana's Colstrip Generating Station with a portfolio of solar, wind, and battery storage could save ratepayers $500 million to $1.17 billion over 30 years. The case study urges Northwestern Energy and the Montana Public Service Commission to utilize Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) financing and integrated resource planning to transition to affordable, carbon-free energy.

This insight brief for public-sector decision makers outlines the necessity of targeted public-sector financial support to overcome barriers to the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, as private capital remains risk-averse in nascent markets.

This report examines the decarbonization of ammonia production in China, focusing on the transition from coal-based feedstocks to green hydrogen produced via renewable-powered water electrolysis to reduce high carbon emissions.

This briefing analyzes the US Treasury's final 45V guidance for electrolytic hydrogen projects, which establishes a tax credit framework based on three pillars: incrementality, temporality, and deliverability. The guidance provides a transition period for annual matching until 2030, after which hourly matching is required, and introduces flexibility by allowing emissions calculations per hour and per electrolyzer to avoid 'all or nothing' credit losses.

An analysis of seven large-scale transmission projects across the United States, ranging from California to Oklahoma, found that all projects delivered benefits exceeding their costs. Projects designed for economic benefits significantly surpassed the FERC 1.25 benefit-to-cost ratio standard and exceeded original planning expectations. Reliability-driven projects also provided unintended economic benefits, often approaching or exceeding the FERC threshold.

This briefing by RMI argues that Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing rules should be updated to include low-embodied-carbon building materials and material-efficient construction practices to unlock billions of dollars in investment.

An updated RMI analysis comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles (EVs) versus fossil fuel vehicles across various fleet applications, highlighting the impact of federal tax credits and fuel prices.