RMI

New RMI research shows that regions in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and North Carolina — bolstered by the #InflationReductionAct — are set to extend their lead in manufacturing solar components, batteries, and electric vehicles. This same research reveals extraordinary economic potential in Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and beyond — also in cleantech manufacturing. These insights come from RMI’s new Clean Growth Tool, which shows the U.S. states and cities where different clean energy manufacturing industries are most likely to thrive, given the underlying economic strengths of different regions. Covering all 50 states, this tool provides essential insights for policymakers and investors to pursue promising opportunities, boosting local prosperity and American competitiveness in the global energy transition. “Cities and states need to know where it makes sense to invest to be most competitive amid the global clean energy manufacturing boom,” says RMI’s Aaron Brickman, “We’re giving policymakers and investors the workforce and industry data they need to unleash their full potential, spur innovation, boost productivity, and create new export opportunities. America can successfully compete in the manufacturing of not only emerging technologies like clean steel, but also widely deployed ones like solar. Economic competitiveness is key to sustained job growth in cleantech manufacturing, and we hone our competitive edge by steering the right investments to the right places.” 🔗 Learn more about how the Clean Growth Tool can drive economic opportunity through clean energy: https://lnkd.in/gAJBKWVK  

Concrete and cement are essential components of the modern built environment, but their production heats the planet, accounting for nearly 8% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.    That’s why the White House recently convened the first-of-its-kind Concrete Innovation Summit, to bring together manufacturers, government officials, start-ups, developers, engineers, designers, and contractors to address the climate impacts of this emissions-intensive industrial sector.    Investments to scale technological solutions are needed to decarbonize the industry, which is why RMI and the Center for Green Market Activation are gathering support from an increasing number of companies that are committed to growing the market for low-carbon cement and concrete, including pioneering organizations such as Meta, Trammell Crow Company, Sublime Systems, and Brimstone .    Working together, we can spur the development of clean innovations , help low-emissions cement production scale, and accelerate the adoption of more sustainable materials: https://bit.ly/46rB638   #Decarbonization #Cement #Concrete #BuiltEnvironment #EmissionsReduction 

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s recent $4.3 billion funding for 25 new projects across states, tribes, local governments, and regions is a game-changer in our fight against climate change. This funding aims to reduce climate pollution by an astounding 971 million tons by 2050 — equivalent to the emissions of five million homes over 25 years. Our analysis, featured in The New York Times, shows that if states fully implement their climate action plans, we could achieve at least a 7% reduction in nationwide emissions by 2030. This would be akin to taking one-third of gasoline cars off the road or decommissioning half the nation’s methane plants. Read on: https://nyti.ms/3WAtlDJ

Right now, almost all ammonia – a key chemical in nitrogen fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and other industries – is made using fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy to make "green" ammonia would nearly eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the ammonia production process. Ammonia is also seen as a promising zero-carbon fuel source for maritime shipping and other sectors that are hard to decarbonize, making the development of green ammonia plants and infrastructure essential to reducing carbon emissions and moving toward a net-zero future. https://bit.ly/3WJNEQl A recent RMI webinar discussed trends in the ammonia sector, the benefits of distributed green ammonia for farmers, and challenges to accelerating adoption: https://bit.ly/4c2fFHe #Ammonia #GreenAmmonia #Decarbonization

As demand soars for electric vehicles and grid storage, so does the need for the minerals that go into their batteries.⚡️🔋 Many are concerned that battery mineral demand will outpace supply, threaten clean transportation, and worsen the harms of mineral extraction. But there's hope! New RMI research shows that six solutions can virtually eliminate our need for newly mined minerals by 2050. A decade of innovation in battery chemistry, density, reuse, and recycling has already halved the cobalt and nickel per battery. Efficient vehicles and mobility can compound the benefits for climate, security, human rights, health, and wealth. Get our full insights here: https://bit.ly/3yb6RRr #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #BatteryTech #EnergyEfficiency #Transportation #Climate #BatteryCircularity #EVSupplyChain #EVs

Sustainable aviation is becoming increasingly important as demand for air transport and travel soars. This week, RMI has highlighted sustainable aviation progress and opportunities in our Spark newsletter and across our social media channels. Solutions to reduce the climate impact of aviation range from scaling up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to researching and reducing warming contrails. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cZPW3e

The demand for low-carbon commodities like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is growing, but the market is still developing. That’s why RMI co-founded the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) – to connect corporate aviation customers with suppliers to help grow the SAF market. And new efforts to increase investment in SAF are underway. Market makers can play a key role in connecting supply with demand, allowing fuel producers to scale their operations, and airlines to retain flexibility in their contracts. TIME highlights the importance of developing green markets to drive cleantech innovation and growth: https://bit.ly/3LCeNOK #Aviation #Sustainability #SustainableAviation #SAF #Cleantech

Condensation trails — or contrails — created by aircraft flying through cold and humid air can significantly warm the climate. Most contrails dissolve within a few minutes, but in certain conditions, they can persist in the atmosphere, spread out, and become clouds that trap outgoing heat. This represents an additional climate impact alongside aviation’s direct carbon emissions. In recent years, technologies and methods have been developed to predict and avoid some of the warming effects created by contrails. Prediction models can inform operators of the optimal flight path to avoid contrails while limiting potential additional carbon emissions. These efforts can be validated by satellite imaging, ground-based monitoring, and pilot reporting to improve model accuracy. There are additional challenges that can only be overcome through continued collaboration by stakeholders from across the aviation industry. RMI’s Contrail Impact Task Force has been working to share and expand on the latest science on the climate impact of contrails. Their latest comprehensive report explores potential contrail solutions and identifies potential barriers to implementing those solutions. Check out the key takeaways from the report in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/4fvDRom #Aviation #ClimateImpact #ClimateAction #Contrails

This #NationalInternDay, we’re highlighting some of the talented interns in RMI’s summer cohort. Their passion, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm are essential to help us progress toward a clean future for all. This class is our largest yet, with 48 interns across the US and internationally. Learn about their motivations and what drives them to engage in this field. 🎉 👥: Olivia Williams, Jacob Stanger, Sydney Williams, Francie Fink, Phuc Nguyen, Selene Li, Srusti Ithal, Camden Burk, Han Bao, Julia Kate Bradley

This spring, 46 states submitted Priority Climate Action Plans to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with action on buildings included in EVERY plan. 👏 Upgrading buildings isn't just about cutting emissions; it's about enhancing public health, creating economic opportunities, and supporting local jobs. For example, Illinois is addressing gaps in energy retrofit incentives with a $430 million grant, Vermont is increasing incentives for energy-efficient affordable housing, and Maryland is implementing a Zero-Emission Heating Equipment Standard. 🎉 Looking ahead, Comprehensive Climate Action Plans due in 2025 will present opportunities for states to refine and expand measures, incorporate public input, and learn from each other. Buildings-focused actions can also deliver direct benefits to disadvantaged communities, improving air quality and lowering utility bills. State Climate Plans are a valuable resource for identifying collaboration opportunities, funding sources, and technical assistance. Leveraging these plans can help make our buildings cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient. Read our full insights here: https://bit.ly/3YjkokE RMI Carbon-Free Buildings #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingUpgrades #PublicHealth #EconomicDevelopment