RMI

As a non-partisan organization that has long worked with both Republican and Democratic administrations, we stand ready to work with the new administration and all newly elected officials to bolster energy security, clean energy technologies, and clean manufacturing jobs. Globally, RMI research shows rapid advances in the deployment of wind, solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles. In the US, historic investments are spurring a cleantech manufacturing boom nationwide that is bringing down costs for families and businesses, improving energy reliability, and creating employment and growth in both red and blue parts of the country. That’s why outside of Washington, states, cities, governments, citizens, nonprofits, and companies across the board are committed to working together for an equitable clean energy future that brings prosperity to all. RMI is committed, as it always has been, to partnering with a broad range of collaborators to advance the energy transition. That imperative is true both here in the U.S. and worldwide. https://lnkd.in/g-bW7p32

During Gender Day at #COP29, RMI’s Energy Transition Academy (ETA) hosted a virtual roundtable — featuring women leaders from around the world — on the critical role of women’s leadership in advancing renewable energy projects across the Caribbean, India, the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The webinar underscored the importance of inclusive leadership in creating clean energy solutions, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are essential for sound decision-making and effective climate action. Despite the different geographies represented in the panel, “there are so many common threads in our paths”, noted Nitisha Agrawal, founder of the Smokeless Cookstove Foundation in India. “Forums like these establish community and a common shared hope and vision. Our problems, our solutions, are not so different from women in other regions.” The discussions highlighted the experiences and stories of women energy leaders advancing renewable energy projects in their countries, and the importance of capacity building and mentorship programs to support career growth. “Great opportunities are not out of reach, as long as they are visible to us,” panelist TeAnn Thomas added, “as the climate space is still evolving, there’s always new opportunities to explore and each of us has a role to play in making these visible for the next generation of energy leaders.” TeAnn spoke from experience, as she is an alumnus of both the ETA Global Caribbean Fellowship Program and the WIRE Network. Joining RMI’s Amber Zirnhelt, RPP, MCIP and Valentina Guido on the roundtable were Nitisha Agrawal, Smokeless Cookstove Foundation and Clean Cooking Mentorship Program hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) and GWNET: Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition; Saudatu B., Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria and Africa Minigrids Program; Nnyeka R. Prescod, Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN); and TeAnn Thomas, Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network. The webinar built on the vision of centering gender and women empowerment in the climate agenda at COP and beyond, and rode the momentum of the WIRE Network’s recent convening in Barbados, where women leaders came together to strategize on advancing sustainable energy solutions across the Caribbean. Watch the video below to gain insights into their collaboration and impact. ?? If you missed the webinar, you can watch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/g3nj3BX7

Global sales of electric cars — including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles — grew to 14 million in 2023, or 18 percent of all new cars sold, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates. Supply-side policies for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as sales regulations, fuel efficiency standards, vehicle emission standards, and manufacturing incentives, play a large role in driving ZEV sales. They are more cost-effective for governments to implement and provide greater certainty to manufacturers and other market actors. This article outlines why supply-side policies are impactful and how they can work cohesively with demand-side policies to encourage and support ZEV markets around the world: https://bit.ly/4fIWjtd

??? On #COP29 Gender Day, we celebrate the vital role of women in leading the charge on climate action! ??

?? At #COP29 this week, nations are advancing discussions on their clean energy transitions, and India stands ready with ambitious climate goals. A recent RMI report, India at 2047: A Vision for Energy Independence in the Mobility Sector, charts the road ahead. By 2047, India is aiming to fully transform its mobility landscape. This report quantifies the required #CleanEnergy vehicle adoption levels and provides actionable solutions that can help to achieve these targets supporting the global shift toward sustainable transport emphasized at COP29. Read the full report and discover how India can drive its clean mobility future: https://lnkd.in/g35cFksx ?

?? Caribbean Small Island Developing States (#SIDS) are on the front lines of climate change, facing a pressing need to transition from diesel-based energy to renewable systems that bolster both climate and economic resilience. At #COP29 in Baku, we convened to explore actionable steps toward this goal, emphasizing the need to mobilize resources and prioritize region-specific solutions. Our panel introduced insights from RMI’s upcoming Caribbean Energy Transition Scenario report (2025), which provides a roadmap for SIDS to achieve a clean, just, and resilient energy transition. Led by opening remarks from Laetitia De Marez, Senior Director of RMI Islands Energy Program and Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN), and moderated by Cheryl Senhouse, Finance Innovation Director, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator , the event featured valuable perspectives on the Caribbean's renewable energy potential and the strategies needed to support vulnerable communities and ensure an equitable transition. A huge thank you to our expert panel, Mr. Rodinald Soomer, Dr. Colin Young, Ph.D, and Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee, who discussed overcoming regional barriers, fostering collaboration, and securing investment to drive change. The event underscored that with committed action, a #sustainableenergy future for the Caribbean is possible, keeping the 1.5°C climate goal within reach. What an all-star Caribbean team! Thank you to everyone who joined us in advancing this vision for a #resilient Caribbean.?

This week at the #COP29 China Pavilion Side Event, RMI released the report, Powering the Data-Center Boom with Low-Carbon Solutions: China’s Perspective and Global Insights. The release spotlights China's innovation in driving sustainable growth for the data-center industry on a global scale. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the rising demand for data centers is leading to substantial increases in energy use and carbon emissions. This emerging challenge must be met with forward-thinking solutions that will both harness AI’s potential and have minimal impact to our planet. The report maps out the challenges of reducing emissions while China’s data centers grow rapidly, and offers strategies to do so sustainably. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4fxLhXI

This past weekend at #COP29, we gathered with RMI, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), REEEP - Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, and Acumen to address one of the most urgent challenges in emerging markets — advancing climate action while supporting economic growth and universal energy access.? An expert panel, featuring Arjun Dutt (CEEW), Dusko Stjepanovic (REEEP), Dr. Ayesha Khanna (Acumen), Ethan Kay (BioLite), Mao Amis, PhD (African Centre for Green Economy), Bertrand Piccard (Solar Impulse Foundation), cecilia tam (IEA), and moderated by Racquel Moses (UNFCCC, Race to Zero and Race to Resilience), shared success stories and highlighted gaps, pinpointing where these financial tools are succeeding and offering actionable ways to scale them. At the UNFCCC side event, I discussed the importance of derisking projects to build a pipeline of investable?opportunities. Derisking is not charity, it’s strategy. We need more funding for project preparation and development to build a pipeline of investable opportunities, and increase the absorptive capacity for climate finance in the global south. Together, we’re building the pathway for a more sustainable, resilient future. Vikram Singh Justin Locke Laetitia De Marez Benjamin Bartle Suleiman Babamanu David Gumbs #ClimateFinance #EmergingMarkets #EnergyAccess #CleanEnergy

?? COP29 Clips: From the cacao and oil palm plantations of the south to the expansive fields of livestock in the north, farming forms the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the lifeblood of its rural communities. Now, as a changing climate threatens the country’s agricultural landscape through intensifying droughts and unpredictable rainfall, farmers must quickly adapt. ?? RMI’s Energizing Agriculture Program supports these farmers by electrifying their processes, solar-powered mills and refrigerators, and electric two-wheelers. At the intersection of Nigeria’s agriculture and its transition to renewable energy stands Ojo Ayodeji, PhD, a senior associate on RMI’s Africa Energy Program. Growing up in a semi-urban community in Osun State, Deji learned at an early age the importance of farming and the devastating impacts that a changing climate can have on farmers’ livelihoods. Read his remarkable story, and learn how Deji is electrifying #agriculture throughout Nigeria: https://bit.ly/3UZmgwp

Today, at COP29 Azerbaijan, the Industrial Transition Accelerator has issued an open letter urging governments to use proven policy measures to stimulate demand for green products and better seize the potential of industrial decarbonisation. The letter has been endorsed by global business leaders and a network of more than 700 financial institutions. New Mission Possible Partnership data shows that out of an estimated 700 projects needed by 2030, only 136 have made it past Final Investment Decision. The primary roadblock? Uncertainty over the demand for low-and near-zero-carbon materials, chemicals, and fuels. Government policies must be strengthened to stimulate demand and support the supply of these clean technologies. The ITA is calling for key policy measures, including: ?? Implementing and strengthening global fuel standards and carbon pricing mechanisms. ?? Setting and enforcing mandatory quotas for clean hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). ?? Establishing lead markets for low- and near-zero-carbon materials with effective carbon pricing. ?? Mandating targets for low- and near-zero-carbon materials in public procurement. ?? Supporting downstream sectors with subsidies to bridge the price gap for green commodities. ?? Take action now! Join #IndustrialTransitionAccelerator and sign the open letter ?? https://bit.ly/3Csuh6F