RMI

As extreme heat waves become more frequent and intense, cooling is becoming even more essential for public safety and one of the biggest energy challenges we face. Over the next five years alone, electricity demand from cooling is expected to grow faster than demand from data centers (one of the fastest-growing energy uses globally). Cooling already accounts for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and could rise to 15% by 2050. Meeting that demand doesn't have to mean higher emissions or more strain on the grid. This article looks at the technologies, policies, and building solutions and strategies that can expand access to cooling while reducing energy demand and helping people stay safe during extreme heat. Learn more: https://ow.ly/WexU50ZmA5B

Enhancing energy system resilience can help lower energy costs, avoid system failures, and provide critical services before, during, and after a heatwave, storm, or other disaster. Extreme weather is a threat to aging energy infrastructure. Power outages can have immediate and life-threatening consequences including health emergencies, water and sanitation failures, food insecurity, and loss of communications. Investing now in a flexible, diverse mix of energy resources across different technologies and locations — including locally available, renewable, or reclaimed resources — can help provide reliable electricity and strengthen community resilience during disruptions to save lives and protect people’s quality of life. https://ow.ly/KQZ750ZmyLQ

Recent data show almost 13 million customers had their electricity disconnected due to nonpayment last year — three times as many as previously estimated. High bills are associated with higher disconnection rates, which makes sense, but rates tell a different story: States with lower electricity rates often experience higher disconnection rates, while many high-rate states experience fewer disconnections. In other words, low rates do not necessarily translate into affordable energy, because affordability is measured by whether or not you can pay something, not how expensive something is. Affordability goes beyond $/kilowatt-hour — it requires examination of the legacy of energy poverty, disconnection protections, and other social safety net policies. https://ow.ly/KIxR50ZlMiP

Remember Kickstarter, the crowdfunding platform where people pledge money upfront to help bring new ideas to life? What if we applied that same method to stimulate the development and deployment of new clean technologies? That’s essentially what an advance market commitment is (AMC for short). On a large scale, an AMC is a promise by governments, private companies, or other entities to purchase a specified amount of a product or service once it becomes available. This commitment gives suppliers proof to bring to investors, lenders, and developers that their product will have an end market, which then leads to the development and commercialization of new technologies. Producers of clean fuels and sustainable building materials, and emerging industries like low-emissions hydrogen and carbon dioxide removal, all need strong demand signals to prove to financers that there are buyers out there ready to purchase their innovative products. AMCs for clean technologies could help create this demand signal. In a new 101, we outline the core steps involved in creating an AMC and some key considerations 👉 https://ow.ly/vK6z50Zl9jG

The European Union Methane Emissions Regulation (EU MER) is pushing oil and gas operators to improve their methane management by implementing measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) programs. Upstream oil and gas production is responsible for 80% of the industry’s methane emissions – a powerful pollutant. These emissions stem from equipment leaks and are also frequently intentionally vented and flared into the atmosphere. EU MER aims to build a market of low-methane-emissions oil and gas to avoid energy waste and safeguard environmental and human health. Measuring methane is foundational to successful methane management programs, capturing the emissions data that then need to be reported and verified. The good news is that best practices for methane measurement already exist. Check out RMI’s take on the site-level and source-level details operators should consider when building best-in-class measurement programs: https://ow.ly/fbwv50ZkKHl

As the United States celebrates Independence Day, we're celebrating energy independence everywhere. Around the world, clean energy is helping communities strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and build resilience in ways that reflect local needs. From helping island nations cut expensive fuel imports to expanding access to solar power in remote communities, RMI works with partners to support self-reliant energy systems. Explore stories from around the world and discover how communities are lowering energy costs, increasing reliability, and moving towards energy independence. Learn more: https://ow.ly/nkT250Zk59F

“The goal is not less cooling... we have to deliver better cooling,” says RMI cooling expert Ankit Kalanki. Ankit recently sat down with Volts Podcast host David Roberts to talk about cooling: how it works, how RMI is working to make it better, and what all it will take to keep people cool without making the planet even hotter. As surging heat waves put millions of people at risk around the world, this podcast episode offers one of the clearest explainers on why cooling matters for both climate and public health. 🔊 Listen here: https://ow.ly/Z1wH50ZjRIY

Island economies are on the front lines of fuel price volatility. Many islands rely heavily on imported diesel, a form of light fuel oil (LFO), for electricity generation, leaving communities exposed to global market swings and rising energy costs. New analysis from RMI shows that renewable energy offers a more secure and affordable path forward. The chart below illustrates a clear trend: while projected LFO-based generation costs have increased by roughly 33% since the EIA's 2025 outlook, renewable energy costs remain stable and predictable over time. For islands working to strengthen energy security, improve affordability, and reduce dependence on imported fuels, renewables can provide long-term resilience. Learn more: https://ow.ly/awkF50Zk4W5

Throughout London Climate Action Week, RMI participated in meetings and events alongside leaders from business, finance, government, and civil society. Across those conversations, one message was clear: the technologies exist, but scaling them requires stronger alignment across markets, policy, finance, and data.   In this special edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, we've brought together insights from Jon Creyts, Akshima Ghate, Deborah Gordon, Benjamin Bartle, and Oleksiy Tatarenko, highlighting the ideas, research, and collaborations that shaped the week. Their perspectives span topics including energy security, methane mitigation, sustainable aviation fuel, and clean energy finance.

As fuel prices continue to fluctuate around the world, electric vehicles (EVs) are helping communities lower transportation costs, strengthen energy security, and reduce emissions. With EV adoption on the rise, there's also an opportunity to build the systems needed to manage batteries responsibly at the end of their life. In island nations and other remote regions, EVs offer significant benefits, but battery recycling and disposal present unique challenges due to their remoteness. The good news: solutions already exist. With thoughtful planning, workforce development, and the right recycling and logistics partnerships, end-of-life EV batteries can be safely managed and become valuable materials recovered for future use. Bermuda is one example of an island community taking a proactive approach, developing a strategy that addresses today's needs while preparing for the increasing numbers of batteries to come. RMI’s latest article highlights practical insights to help island communities build a cleaner and more circular EV future. Learn more: https://ow.ly/F7VB50ZjN2a