RMI

🇮🇳 As India grapples with rising diesel costs and growing health impacts linked to its fast-growing heavy trucking sector, a critical opportunity is emerging: zero-emission trucks (ZETs). ZETs can drive down costs, improve air quality, and position India as a global leader in clean freight just as US efforts may be losing traction. The need is urgent. India’s trucking industry is the backbone of its booming economy; trucking demand is expected to quadruple by 2050 with over 320,000 new trucks hitting the road each year. From battery electric trucks to hydrogen-powered engine trucks, ZETs can cut fuel costs by up to 46%, reduce diesel dependence by 838 billion liters per year, and prevent up to 3.8 gigatons of carbon emissions by 2050 — equivalent to the annual emissions of the entire European Union. A strong ZET market would also strengthen India’s position as a global hub for battery manufacturing, unlocking new economic opportunities. Zero-emission trucks offer a cleaner, more sustainable solution for India’s transport sector. Watch our video for a quick rundown, and read RMI’s article to learn more: https://bit.ly/4i5NESY

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) can help fund critical climate solutions, such as protecting natural ecosystems and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, the lack of easily accessible and understandable data makes it difficult to assess the true performance and quality of carbon credits. That’s why RMI has developed a framework to clearly map and organize the full spectrum of carbon credit data—including carbon, social, and environmental factors. By making this framework fully open, we aim to build trust and transparency in the VCM, and to help stakeholders such as buyers, project developers, service providers, and academics work more effectively together. Read more and join our effort: https://bit.ly/41tjEJF

In coming years, the US electric grid is going to require significant investments to meet increasing electricity demand from the proliferation of data centers, renewed manufacturing growth, and beneficial electrification. At the same time, upgrades and repairs will be necessary for the grid to remain resilient in the face of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and storms, which are growing more intense due to global warming. RMI’s latest report creates a comprehensive framework of cost control strategies that regulators and utility stakeholders across the United States can use to make sure that we are making only the smartest financial investments to deliver reliable power. https://bit.ly/3DzDo6f

Methane leaks are a common occurrence that wastes energy, and costs consumers—and oil and gas companies—a lot of money 💰. But why does methane leak, when are companies not aware, how can we spot it, and how can we fix the problem? Methane leaks from many different places, including faulty equipment, pressure changes underground, and from old, barely-producing marginal and abandoned wells. While some of these leaks are small, others can be huge causing a whopping 66 percent of the gas produced to be thrown away. The good news is that solutions, like equipment replacement, routine monitoring, open certification, and buyers' prioritizing the procurement of low-leakage gas, can stop leakage and cut methane waste. At #CERAWeek, energy solutions across the board were discussed, including how oil and gas can aid in the energy transition. RMI’s latest article takes a dive deep into why methane leaks, and what companies can do to fix leaks and save money: https://bit.ly/3R8OUIS

The chemicals industry is at a turning point. Chemicals are used in the production of 96% of manufactured goods, but their production comes with a cost: the industry accounts for 38% of all energy-related US industrial emissions. But despite chemical production’s carbon toll, it plays a key role in the clean energy transition. This #CERAweek managing emissions will be a big topic of discussion, and more sustainable chemicals can play a big role. There are many solutions that can help reduce emissions while also increase profitability for industry players. Methane leak mitigation projects, for example, typically have lower capital expenditures, offering an attractive near-term alternative while the cost of carbon capture and electrification initiatives falls due to technological improvements and increased demand. A new era in the chemical industry isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about growth. Investing in new solutions drives economic opportunity, creates skilled jobs, and strengthens supply chains for a more resilient future. https://bit.ly/3DAhArf

RMI’s Energy Transition Academy is excited to announce the launch of their 2025 Energy Leadership Accelerator (ELA) cohort! The ELA program is designed to empower energy leaders — from mainland tribal communities and remote islanded communities across Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Pacific — to drive resilient energy transitions in their region. The initiative, made possible through a collaboration between the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and the Energy Transition Academy, aims to foster local workforce development and promote resilient energy futures. The 2025 ELA cohort consists of CEOs, executive directors, and energy and sustainability coordinators. These changemakers will join a network of industry professionals and community leaders to exchange ideas and engage in contextual learning opportunities to accelerate their energy projects. Learn more about the ELA program and meet the 2025 fellows here: https://bit.ly/3XJrhKC

Oil and gas will be a big point of discussion this #CERAWeek and RMI is there discussing all things methane. For years, methane mitigation was all but ignored because industry players had little motivation to prioritize cutting methane waste. Methane leakage led to increased energy prices for consumers, and profit loss for the industry. But there are many market-based incentives that can help with methane mitigation and benefit everyone. Increasingly reliable data, smarter policies, and more robust standards are strengthening incentives for action. Mitigating methane waste is a win-win-win opportunity for energy security, energy efficiency, and the climate. https://bit.ly/43C1qbk

Designing more efficient products, buildings, and machines can meet the needs of people and production while also preventing energy consumption from skyrocketing. As RMI’s Maria Chiara Gullì says, "This is the moment to reverse the current trend and start accelerating energy efficiency — to make the energy transition faster, cheaper, more reliable.” RMI is pleased to lead a hybrid session sharing strategies to advance global energy efficiency at the upcoming Berlin Energy Efficiency Day on March 17, 12:30–19:00 CET, at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in advance of the renowned Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue conference. Register for the online session today: https://bit.ly/3Ffatov

#CERAweek is here, and energy security is top of mind for many conference goers. The deployment of renewable energy has gained historic momentum over the past few years, helping to increase our energy efficiency and affordability, but the problem of methane — its waste and ensuing pollution — looms large. When it enters the atmosphere, methane leaking from oil and gas pipelines, wells, tanks, and other infrastructure harms local air quality and superheats our planet. Leaks also decrease energy security as it wastes valuable resources, all while increasing prices for consumers and eroding industry revenues. That’s why it’s key to address the methane waste issue, and in turn create jobs, protect public safety, and bolster national security. Energy security conversations are becoming more and more commonplace. And with possible regulatory changes ahead, fixing the leaks can ensure that America’s energy is safe, reliable, and affordable for everyone. https://bit.ly/3R2bfru

When Hurricane Francine cut off power to almost half a million customers in New Orleans last September, First Grace United Methodist Church still had lights, water, and air conditioning thanks to its solar-plus-battery-storage microgrid. First Grace is part of a network of Community Lighthouses born out of the experience New Orleans residents faced after Hurricanes Katrina and Ian. The Community Lighthouses are 10 community buildings, with more planned for the future, powered by solar and batteries and designed to provide essentials like power, air conditioning, water, meals, a community gathering space, and more when storms hit. Solar-plus-battery-storage microgrids are typically the first step to building a resilience hub as they provide reliable power when the grid goes out. They also benefit communities when skies are clear, while simultaneously supporting local businesses. Building a microgrid is more appealing and doable than ever before, with solar and battery costs declining and other support available. To help communities overcome microgrid implementation challenges, RMI led a "Microgrids for Resilient Communities" cohort where members and RMI learned from each other’s direct experiences. Learn what factors to consider and how to create a microgrid to support your community: https://bit.ly/3Fe78X0