RMI

To meet surging electricity demand, the US needs to deploy the most advanced grid solutions. This will not only help get the most out of the existing grid, but also make it quicker and cheaper to add new clean energy resources. Compared to other options, alternative transmission technologies (ATTs) — including grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors — can help expand the capacity of the electric grid for a bargain. Already dozens of GETs projects have been installed, benefiting at least half of US states by increasing grid capacity and reliability, all while providing value for ratepayers. So why isn’t ATT adoption more widespread? Barriers include grid operators’ risk aversion and utilities’ financial disincentives. To better understand the obstacles, RMI held a series of conversations with leading utilities that piloted ATTs and identified two additional issues: failing to incorporate ATTs into the planning process in ways that leverage their operational benefits; and lack of cross-utility coordination for jointly owned transmission corridors. Read our latest article to find out how to resolve these issues, and get the grid up to grade: https://bit.ly/3XNWJaT

Traditional energy efficiency programs often focus on material and appliance upgrades. These measures are important, but energy efficiency solutions extend beyond specific products. Considering the entire system instead of focusing on singular technology substitutions within the existing system can help energy efficiency upgrades reduce energy waste, lower costs, and lead to broader benefits across sectors. For example, addressing how cities are developed, organized, and managed is a powerful leverage point that influences the buildings, mobility, and freight transportation sectors, plus many others, while also improving human health and safety. Learn more about how energy efficiency opportunities are interconnected: https://bit.ly/3EdHNMB

AI is transforming industries, economies, and infrastructure at an unprecedented rate — and driving up electricity demand. RMI is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative strategies: 🔆 Our “Power Couples” approach pairs power-hungry data centers with on-site wind, solar, and batteries to power the tech without adding fossil fuels. 🌐 Our virtual power plants team shows how AI can optimize energy use through smart products like EVs and thermostats. These solutions can enhance electricity reliability and affordability, strengthen energy security, and improve air quality. Our choices today matter. When you donate, you power the people driving the research, collaboration, and innovation that make the clean energy transition possible. With your support, RMI can help ensure that AI advances our goals rather than setting them back: https://bit.ly/4jnx6pF

Companies and utilities are scrambling to provide power for AI facilities. In some parts of the country, the fastest, most cost-effective solution is likely to be clean energy plus batteries — rather than more gas plants. According to an article in today’s The New York Times citing RMI research, load growth forecasts have been wrong in the past. To supply these data centers with enough power without doubling down on gas plants that may not be needed, RMI's Power Couples strategy can deploy all the energy a data center needs faster than a new gas build while supporting a shift to a cleaner grid. Power Couples can help meet growing electricity demand fast by pairing a large electricity consumer — such as an AI data center — with new solar, wind, and battery resources, all located near an existing generator with an approved interconnection. Learn more about how Power Couples can help the United States win the global AI race: https://bit.ly/42AIsAW

Early last month, RMI’s Climate Intelligence Program was awarded a certificate for outstanding case study by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) for the pilot testing of RMI's Steel GHG Emissions Reporting Guidance. This award recognizes a valuable addition to the online library of case studies in SPLC’s online Member Community. RMI’s award-winning work lays down the foundation for calculating and reporting steel emissions, a knowledge base which can help steel makers meet industry standards and supply rising demand for low-emissions steel. We are honored to be awarded this certificate, and it points to RMI’s work to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. Learn more about the award here ➡️ https://bit.ly/43OP6ox

We’re excited to contribute to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s new Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-M) Data Strategy! The LOW-M Data Solutions team utilizes RMI’s WasteMAP Decision Support Tool to support jurisdictions with quantifying methane emissions, determining scenarios to help mitigate methane emissions, and prioritizing investments in waste sector interventions. This approach played an important part in the development of the LOW-Methane Portfolios for Lagos, Nigeria, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, enabling both cities to establish data-driven methane mitigation strategies. Learn more about WasteMAP here: https://bit.ly/42yFxsu

RMI’s work spans multiple sectors, technologies, and geographies. From analyzing the big picture of the global energy transition to providing on-the-ground support for residents and local governments electrifying their own communities, we’re always working to speed the world’s shift to cleaner, safer, more affordable energy. We have curated select articles, analysis, and other resources into a Top Topics hub for easy exploration. Learn about clean energy incentives, read hope-inspiring stories from around the world, discover our analysis on the global energy transition, and more: https://bit.ly/4jpIbqd

Low-emissions hydrogen projects are as a precursor to help decarbonize industry. But there’s a big challenge slowing down progress: a lack of clear information. A range of variables contribute to this gap, such as: how well hydrogen projects perform, what kind of sales and returns to expect, how to manage risks, and finding the right early investors. The good news? Bridging this gap might not be as hard as it seems. New approaches — such as creative deal making, innovative funding strategies, deepening engagement with institutional investors, and involving insurance early — could be just what’s needed to get clean hydrogen projects off the ground. The summary of RMI and Mission Possible Partnerships' finance roadshow explores the ways to jump-start finance for clean hydrogen and how 2025 can be the year of doing decarbonization deals. Learn more >> https://bit.ly/4iVsJ5t

In the United States, energy demand from AI, EVs, and advanced manufacturing is creating significant load growth for the first time in decades. To support affordable and reliable electricity for years to come, utilities will need to make strategic, proactive investments. Large load forecasting plays a vital role in informing these investments, so it’s more important than ever that regulators support up-to-date, comprehensive, and properly validated forecasts. 📈 Over-forecasting demand could mean utilities invest more money than they need to, leading to unnecessary costs for everyday Americans. 📉 Under-forecasting could lead to an energy system that isn’t able to reliably deliver power to all the people and places that need it. Fortunately, regulators are already taking action to support reasonable investments, even as the future of load growth remains uncertain. Our report, Get a Load of This, offers case studies and emerging practices to support improved forecasting methods: https://bit.ly/42mq4M0

Congratulations to one of RMI’s trustees, Catherine Coleman Flowers, for receiving the TIME Earth Award. Catherine founded the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) to help identify and implement solutions to the interrelated challenges of infrastructure for water and sanitation, public health, and economic development. As a member of RMI’s board of trustees, Catherine brings invaluable expertise in environmental justice, helping to advance our mission toward a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We’re inspired by Catherine’s leadership and insight!