Topic: energy

WRI STATEMENT: In Berlin, Pres. Obama Calls Climate Change "The Global Threat of Our Time"

Daniel Melling — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:29:18 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Oko; Tel. (202) 729-7684; moko@wri.org

President Obama delivered a major speech in Berlin today, covering a range of issues, including climate change. The speech comes one day after the conclusion of the 2013 G8 summit, which included strong climate language in its Leaders’ Communique. These remarks coincide with comments from Heather Zichal, the White House energy advisor, at a press event today.

Following is a statement by Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Program, World Resources Institute:

“In his speech today, President Obama reasserted that climate change is the global challenge of our time. The President made it crystal clear that the United States needs to do more to cut domestic emissions and should work toward a global climate agreement.

“The President reaffirmed that this is a top tier issue that needs to be addressed by world leaders.

“President Obama’s words echo the closing statement from the G8 summit that declared: ‘Climate change is one of the foremost challenges for our future economic growth and well-being.’

“There are clear indications that the Obama Administration is preparing to present a national strategy to respond to this crisis. WRI’s analysis finds that through ambitious actions the U.S. administration can meet its 17 percent emissions target and make even more progress in the years to come.

“With bold action, the U.S. can slow the pace of climate change, demonstrate global leadership, and create a safer and more prosperous world.”

STATEMENT: IEA Report Finds "World Is Not On Track" to Meet Climate Goals

Michael Oko — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:59:02 -0400

The International Energy Agency released a new report today, Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map, finding that global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2012 increased by 1.4 percent, reaching a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes. Energy-related emissions account for around two-thirds of total global greenhouse gas emissions. The report contains four specific recommendations to keep the world within 2 degrees Celsius temperature rise.

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President and CEO, World Resources Institute:

“Global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are heading toward dangerous and unfamiliar territory. Projected temperature rise is approaching thresholds where the consequences would be truly dire. It’s not too late to prevent such an outcome, but the window to avoid dire impacts is closing quickly. These are some of the takeaways from the new report from the IEA, the autonomous organization focused on energy and economics, made up of 28 member countries.

“The common assumption is that action to reduce emissions is prohibitively expensive, but the evidence confirms that this is a flawed view. In fact, inaction is far more costly, risky and irresponsible. There are clear advantages to getting ahead and investing in low-carbon energy sources today, rather than trying to make corrections and retrofit equipment and infrastructure later on.

“The IEA’s new report offers affordable and common sense measures to rein in energy-related emissions. The core steps are to increase energy efficiency; limit emissions from coal-fired power plants; reduce leakage of methane from oil and gas production; and cut subsidies for fossil fuels. Importantly, the report finds that these steps can be achieved with no net economic cost.

“The IEA’s recommendations are consistent with WRI’s recent analysis, which finds that the U.S. Administration needs additional federal actions to reach its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

“It’s time for the Obama Administration to lay a national climate plan, including the specific steps it intends to take. Fittingly, the recent announcement by the U.S. and China to work together to reduce HFCs is a welcome step to address a potent greenhouse gas outside of the energy sector.

“As UN climate talks continue this week in Bonn, Germany, IEA’s analysis should jolt negotiators into a far greater sense of urgency to develop an ambitious and equitable climate agreement by 2015. At the same time, this agreement would not go into effect until 2020, so countries need to ramp up their ambition in the near term.

“The report confirms that further delays will gravely shift the burden to future generations. They would be the ones to endure the economic cost of retrofitting infrastructure, and moreover the societal weight of flooded cities, risks to food production, far greater water scarcity, loss of coral reefs, and other climate-related impacts.

“Our national leaders—in government, business, and civil society—have it within their power to prevent this future. It’s our collective responsibility to accelerate action on this global challenge.”

ADVISORY: New Study and Discussion on Reducing Methane Emissions from Natural Gas

Michael Oko — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:19:50 -0400

WRI to release new working paper, “Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems.”

Download the paper, here.
Read a blog post on the paper, here.

The rapid expansion of unconventional natural gas has reshaped the U.S. energy picture through increased production and reduced price. The shale gas boom has also ignited vigorous debates around its environmental impacts. WRI’s new study, “Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems,” looks to clarify what is known about methane leakage, what progress has been made to reduce emissions, and what further steps can be taken.

The discussion will feature representatives from Shell, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Defense Fund, and WRI, and will be moderated by Keith Johnson, an environmental reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

The event will take place at WRI’s office on Thursday, April 4, at 9:00 a.m.

A continental breakfast will be served.

WHAT
Release of new study & discussion on methane emissions from U.S. natural gas systems

WHO
James Bradbury, Senior Associate and lead author, WRI, presenter

Will Allison, Director, Air Pollution Control Division Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, panelist

Mark Brownstein, Associate Vice President & Chief Counsel, U.S. Energy and Climate Program, Environmental Defense Fund, panelist

Fiji George, Onshore Science, Policy & Regulatory Advisor, Shell Exploration & Production Company, panelist

Michael Obeiter, Senior Associate and co-author, World Resources Institute, panelist

Keith Johnson, Staff Reporter, Wall Street Journal, moderator

WHERE
World Resources Institute
10 G St NE, 8th Floor
Washington, DC
(Red Line Metro)

CALL-IN
Go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/821281274 Or
Dial +1 (213) 493-0602
Access Code: 821-281-274
Meeting ID: 821-281-274

WHEN
Thursday, April 4

9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

RSVP required to press@wri.org (please indicate the event in your response)

ADVISORY: WRI and IMF to Host Major Speech by Lord Stern

Lauren Zelin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:18:00 -0400

“Fostering Growth and Poverty Reduction in a World of Immense Risk”

Live webcast, video, and PowerPoint presentation available at bit.ly/sterndc

In the six turbulent years after the ground-breaking Stern Review, the risks of unmanaged climate change are substantially higher. On Tuesday, April 2, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Resources Institute (WRI) will co-host a major speech by Lord Nicholas Stern analyzing how the risks have changed, and arguing that the transition to the low-carbon economy is an opportunity for growth and poverty reduction.

Lord Stern will be introduced by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF, with commentary by Dr. Andrew Steer, President, WRI. Closing remarks will be delivered by Rachel Kyte, Vice President of Sustainable Development, World Bank.

This event will include an interactive discussion and is open to the media.

WHAT:
Address by Lord Nicholas Stern on “Fostering Growth and Reducing Poverty in a World of Immense Risk” co-hosted by IMF and WRI.

WHO:
Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair, Grantham Research Institute
Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF
Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO, WRI
Rachel Kyte,Vice President of Sustainable Development, World Bank

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 2, 2013

TIME:
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Note: Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to register; Photo ID required

WHERE:
IMF Headquarters
Building 2, Conference Hall 1
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Please use #sterndc to tweet about this event. We will take questions via Twitter.

RESOURCES
Live webcast, video, and PowerPoint presentation available at bit.ly/sterndc

RSVP required to press@wri.org

ADVISORY: Press Call on China’s New Leadership: Confronting Energy and Environmental Challenges

Michael Oko — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:32:38 -0500

As China continues its leadership transition next week at the National People’s Congress, many are wondering how the country will confront its pressing environmental, climate, and energy challenges. On Friday, March 1 at 9 a.m. EST, WRI’s ChinaFAQs network will bring together leading experts for a press teleconference to discuss these issues.

China’s new leaders have declared that making “ecological progress” will be a priority. However, in recent weeks, environmental challenges—including pollution, air quality, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions—have all been in the headlines.

Experts will discuss what to watch for in China’s energy mix and new policies, including a potential carbon tax. They will also discuss implications of the government’s restructuring of energy and environmental authorities, and opportunities for U.S.-China collaboration on clean energy.

The call is being hosted by ChinaFAQs, a network of independent, U.S.-China experts assembled to provide insights and analysis around climate and energy issues in China.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDING:

WHAT:
Press teleconference on China’s leadership transition and energy and sustainability issues

WHO:
Melanie Hart, Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress
Ailun Yang, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute
Julio Friedmann, Chief Energy Technologist, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Technical Program Manager for the US-China Clean Energy Research Center for Advanced Coal Technology

WHEN:
Friday, March 1, 2013

TIME:
9:00 a.m. EST

CALL-IN:
US (Toll-Free): 866-803-2143
US/Int’l (Toll): +1 (210) 795-1098
CHINA: + 86-400-810-4773

ACCESS CODE: “WRI”

RSVP to lzelin@wri.org

Mobilizing Climate Investment: The Role of International Climate Finance in Creating Readiness for Scaled-Up, Low-Carbon Energy

Sarah Parsons — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:20:51 -0500

Executive Summary

Between now and 2050, developing countries need an estimated $531 billion per year of additional investment in energy supply and demand technologies in order to limit global temperature rise to 2° C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this scale of investment, developing country governments and custodians of international public finance will need to deploy limited public finance in ways that leverage an unprecedented volume of private sector investment. Despite growing global investment in low-carbon energy and falling costs, it will be difficult to achieve the scale and urgency of investments needed without the appropriate policy, institutional, industry, and financial conditions. Governments and their international partners need to undertake “readiness” activities designed to put in place the conditions that attract scaled-up investment and enable a transformation toward low-carbon energy development pathways.

Drawing on six developing country case studies, this report identifies a set of key lessons and insights for readiness. The report develops a framework to identify and prioritize readiness activities that will require public financial support to create the conditions necessary to scale up investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency (collectively referred to as low-carbon energy). The report discusses the implications of the findings for international climate finance and draws a number of recommendations for the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It targets international public funds and institutions looking to accelerate investment in low-carbon energy, as well as developing country governments looking to identify and prioritize activities for funding.

Enabling conditions for scaling up investment

We identify a number of policy and institutional, industry, and financial sector conditions that can attract scaled-up public and private investment in low-carbon energy. Policy and institutional conditions include plans and targets for low-carbon energy, institutional capacity to effectively implement climate change and energy policies, laws supporting investment in low-carbon energy, and regulatory and fiscal instruments to implement laws. Industry conditions include the capacity of developers to prepare bankable projects, information on renewable resource availability or options to conserve energy, engineering capacity, and the presence of a support industry and enabling infrastructure. Financial conditions include a stable financial sector with the capacity and range of financial products needed to support low-carbon energy.

In six case studies, we analyze the role that enabling activities have played in promoting scaled up investment in low-carbon energy, and the role that international public finance has played in supporting such activities. These case studies examine energy efficiency in Thailand, wind power in South Africa, solar water heaters in Tunisia, geothermal power in Indonesia, wind power in Mexico, and energy efficiency in India. Taken together, the case studies suggest two overarching determinants of success in scaling up investment: government leadership and effective responses to pricing distortions. When government leadership is strong, a commitment to policy and institutional reform and implementation of stated goals usually follows. This in turn strengthens the investment climate and increases investor confidence. In cases where market failures severely distort the market in favor of carbon-intensive energy sources, it has been more difficult to create the conditions that attract investment in low-carbon energy.

Lessons learned for the design of readiness activities

The case studies also reveal a number of lessons about the design of readiness activities and the role of international partners in supporting them.

Small amounts of long-term funding for enabling activities can help scale up investment

In each case study, small investments in enabling activities—from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars—helped pave the way for scaled up private and public investments by supporting the creation of conducive policies and market conditions. International support has been most effective when sustained over five or more years. Technical support can also be more effective if international advisors are integrated into national institutions and report to national, rather than international, authorities.

International support is likely to be more effective if it identifies and targets a few critical barriers to investment. In countries with comparatively few enabling conditions for investment, attempts to simultaneously surmount all investment barriers may result in resources being spread too thin to achieve a significant impact. Chapter 4 presents a framework that can aid governments and their international partners in identifying activities to support.

Strengthening the enabling environment should not end when investment begins. In each case study, readiness activities and larger investment took place simultaneously. Even in cases where the investment climate was already strong, there was still scope for additional enabling activities to address specific gaps.

Integrated, inclusive planning processes and policy and institutional reform are key to attracting investment

The integration of low-carbon energy into a broader development agenda can enhance coordination and alignment between different sectors of the economy. Civil society and private sector actors can bring valuable expertise and experience to the planning process, and play important roles in ensuring that low-carbon energy policies and plans are realistic, robust, and tailored to the needs of the country. International support should be aligned with national plans and priorities for effective and sustained outcomes, and should be flexible enough to respond in a timely manner to evolving priorities.

Changes to the policy and regulatory environment proved crucial to attracting investment on a significant scale in the case studies. International support for the design of policies is likely to be effective only if it is demand-driven and not seen as infringing on national sovereignty. Countries that have set up their own financial mechanism to support low-carbon energy projects are well positioned to implement their objectives effectively and independently, thereby reducing their reliance on international partners to finance their low-carbon energy needs.

Having the appropriate institutions in place to develop, implement, and regulate policy reforms—and empowering them with the mandate and resources to carry out their functions effectively—helped ensure that policies were coherent and consistent, which increased investor confidence.

In key institutions, strengthening the capacity of staff and management to carry out their functions is an important readiness activity that often requires international funding support. The case studies suggest that capacity-building support is most effective when carefully targeted to address particular skills gaps.

Tackling information barriers and strengthening industry and financial sector capacity can unlock investment

Public support for broad-scale renewable resource assessments or exploration can provide information on resource availability that is key to attracting investor interest. Similarly, measures to familiarize industry and other actors with low-carbon energy options—such as training centers, awareness campaigns, and seminars and workshops that bring together stakeholders—can strengthen industry knowledge of and capacity to implement renewable energy projects, and raise awareness of the potential cost savings from energy efficiency.

International support plays an important role in facilitating learning and demonstrating new financing models for renewable energy, as well as strengthening industry’s capacity to develop and implement low-carbon energy projects. In some cases, international support to strengthen the capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improve their access to financing for low-carbon energy projects has helped unlock investment by this sector of the market.

Financial institutions can play a key role in opening the market for low-carbon energy technologies. However, some financial institutions lack knowledge of and experience with these technologies. Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, including through pilot financing programs, has been important in scaling up domestic sources of finance for low-carbon energy in several cases. In some cases, the high risk—real or perceived—of investing in low-carbon technologies without a proven track record in the country has deterred domestic financial institutions. Mechanisms that carefully allocate risks to those best placed to manage them can help attract financing from domestic banks and other financial institutions.

A framework for guiding readiness support for low-carbon energy investments

Building on the experiences of the six case studies, we propose a framework to guide governments and their international partners in determining how best to provide readiness support to countries with low-carbon energy sectors in different stages of development. The framework describes some of the activities required to strengthen the enabling policy and institutional environment for investment. In the early stages of development, these include support for assessing energy options, engaging stakeholders in the energy planning process, capacity building for government agencies and civil society, technical support for developing plans and strategies, and outreach activities. In later stages, activities include support for designing and implementing regulations and fiscal instruments, and targeted capacity building for government agencies, including local governments.

The proposed framework also describes some of the activities needed to strengthen the enabling industry and financial conditions for investment. In early stages of development, these include renewable resource assessments and energy conservation awareness campaigns, capacity building for project developers and financial institutions, support for technology transfer and localization, feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessments, and support for financial sector reform. At later stages, activities include strengthening engineering capacity for low-carbon energy projects, supporting ancillary industries (such as upgrading grid infrastructure), and supporting financial institutions to assess and finance low-carbon energy projects.

Recommendations for the Green Climate Fund

The six case studies illustrate different approaches that various international partners have used to support readiness activities. The lessons learned are intended to inform the recently established GCF as it attempts to identify how best to support a paradigm shift toward low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways. Although the GFC’s detailed operational modalities are not yet defined, it could take a number of approaches to support readiness. These include supporting readiness directly or partnering with existing institutions; establishing distinct channels and allocations for readiness or integrating enabling activities into existing channels and allocations; and supporting readiness through the private sector facility.

STATEMENT: WRI Response to the State of the Union

Michael Oko — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:01:05 -0500

In his State of the Union address, President Obama presented his priorities for his second term, including addressing the threat of climate change.

New analysis by the World Resources Institute has identified four essential steps the Obama Administration can take to reach its national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute:

“President Obama made it clear that climate change is one of the great challenges of our generation. It’s a national priority that is essential for the country’s economic future and its global competitiveness. He announced that we ‘must do more to combat climate change.’ If the president puts these words into action, citizens of the United States will be better off, as will citizens around the world.

“The President declared that he will direct his Administration to cut pollution, prepare the country for the consequences of climate change, and shift to more sustainable energy– these policies will be good for people and the economy.

“The President also called on Congress to engage on this issue. This is important. While the President can and should act, the cost would be lower and the benefits greater with market-based legislation that would effectively put a price on carbon.

“Analysis by the World Resources Institute shows that the Administration can make significant progress in reducing emissions. It can start by enacting standards for existing power plants, which represent the largest portion of U.S. emissions. The U.S. can also make progress by cutting emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, tackling methane from natural gas systems, and enhancing energy efficiency.

“By reaching its emissions target, the U.S. can signal that it’s serious about tackling climate change at home while enhancing its credibility on the global stage. With more droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events taking their toll around the globe, the world desperately needs more action. And, it needs the United States to be a leader on climate change.

“The Obama Administration has the tools. Now is the time to use them.”

–

Read an Op-ed by Andrew Steer in the Hill about how the Administration can reduce U.S. emissions.

Read more about WRI’s new report on U.S. emissions, “Can the U.S. Get There From Here?”

Implementation Strategies for Renewable Energy Services in Low-Income, Rural Areas

Sarah Parsons — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:10:46 -0500

Executive Summary

This issue brief is the first in a series of three that focus on expanding the delivery of affordable, renewable energy in developing countries. It describes the core business strategies employed by a group of socially oriented energy enterprises and organizations working to provide distributed, renewable energy services to low-income, rural communities and provides examples of how these strategies were implemented.

The enterprises and organizations described here promote the social, economic, and environmental benefits of delivering clean energy services to individuals and communities that are not well served by traditional energy providers. Their business models combine social and environmental objectives with entrepreneurship. Although these enterprises function across different countries and contexts, they are characterized by a common focus on clean, affordable, accessible, and scalable energy solutions. Millions of underserved people in 11 countries around the world have benefited from the work of the enterprises highlighted here.

This series is rooted in a three-day workshop held by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the DOEN Foundation in March 2012 as well as follow up interviews that gathered the experiences of 25 socially oriented energy enterprises, organizations, and financiers who understand the energy needs of low-income consumers in developing countries.

Over the course of the workshop and interviews, participants identified four core strategies common to their business models: (1) understanding consumer needs, preferences, and capacity to pay; (2) demonstrating the value of a new technology or energy service delivery model; (3) building and maintaining consumer trust in the product and the supply chain; and (4) designing financing and payment schemes that fit within consumer energy budgets.

This brief examines each of these strategies, first through exploring its rationale and then by considering specific examples of its implementation. Although the energy access solutions discussed still face obstacles for scale up, several socially oriented energy enterprises and organizations have proven that with the right delivery mechanisms, and effective and efficient financing, many consumers can access affordable, cleaner energy services.

Can the U.S. Get There from Here? Using Existing Federal Laws and State Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:51:17 -0500

Summary

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise unless additional policy actions are taken. This report identifies a suite of policies that the Administration can pursue that do not require new legislation by the U.S. Congress. If pursued with “go-getter” level ambition, those policies can reduce U.S. emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2020.

Key Findings

Without new action by the U.S. Administration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will increase over time. The United States will fail to make the deep emissions reductions needed in coming decades, and will not meet its international commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.
The U.S. EPA should immediately pursue “go-getter” emissions reductions from power plants and natural gas systems using its authority under the Clean Air Act. These two sectors represent two of the top opportunities for substantial GHG reductions between now and 2035.
The U.S. Administration should pursue hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) reductions through both the Montreal Protocol process and under its independent Clean Air Act authority. Eliminating HFCs represents the biggest opportunity for GHG emissions reductions behind power plants.
U.S. states should complement federal actions to reduce emissions through state energy efficiency, renewables, transportation, and other actions. States can augment federal reductions.
New federal legislation will eventually be needed, because even go-getter action by federal and state governments will probably fail to achieve the more than 80 percent GHG emissions reductions necessary to fend off the most deleterious impacts of climate change.

This chart shows potential reductions under existing federal authorities and state action through 2035.

Interactive Graphic

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Presentation

Can The U.S. Get There From Here? from World Resources Institute (WRI)

Testimony: American Energy Security and Innovation: An Assessment of North America's Energy Resources

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:21:07 -0500

Summary of Key Points

Our energy choices need to factor in both opportunities and risks. This testimony gives particular attention to why we must consider the risk of climate change, both on our resources being developed and utilized today and on our choices for development into the future. It concludes with the following recommendations:

Congress should request that the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee review the current authorities of federal agencies and national laboratories, and recommend how consideration of risks associated with climate change can be more directly incorporated into decision-making.
Congress should support efforts to better assess the impacts of climate change on America’s energy infrastructure and incorporate this into planning and investment decisions.
Congress should keep in mind four important criteria in considering policies to drive more effective clean energy growth and competitiveness: any energy policy should be comprehensive, long-term, targeted, and inclusive.
In capturing energy efficiency across the economy, Congress can play a constructive role in two key areas:
- Informed consumer choice: supporting and expanding programs to help ensure product labeling is accurate and publicly reported in a timely manner, to encourage energy-wise investment decisions throughout the U.S. economy.
- Efficiency standards: supporting and extending the ability of federal agencies to develop and update energy efficiency standards for vehicles, appliances, and other energy-consuming equipment that is sold into U.S. commerce.
Congress must work toward reaching bipartisan agreement on national energy policies that encourage more efficient energy consumption, increase the diversity of domestic energy production, maximize deployment of low-carbon energy technologies, and minimize environmental impacts throughout our energy systems. In the near-term, it is also critical for Congress to provide funding and incentives for low-carbon and clean energy technologies.

STATEMENT: President Obama Commits to Climate Change Action In Second Inaugural Address

Sarah Parsons — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:46:20 -0500

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President and CEO, World Resources Institute:

“Today, in his second inaugural address, President Obama set a clear priority for America: address climate change and become a global leader on renewable energy development. Actions toward this end could play a transformative role in promoting America’s future prosperity, and could also help bring about a truly global response to the challenge of climate change. We agree with the president when he said that ‘outworn programs are inadequate to the needs of our time.’

“In the coming months, we look forward to the Administration following through on the president’s ringing call to action. It will be particularly important to move forward with emissions limits on existing power plants and to use other existing federal authorities to reduce greenhouse gases and drive clean energy technologies. The president has already committed to launch a ‘national conversation’ on climate change—this discussion will be critical for communicating global warming’s risks and building momentum, both locally and nationally. In addition to national action, we look forward to a strong foreign policy agenda with climate playing a key role — including bringing a serious, ambitious plan to the UNFCCC international climate negotiations.

“Meeting these goals—in line with the Administration’s existing target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020—will be key if America is to become a global leader on renewable energy and climate action.”

Communicating the "Financeability" of Energy Efficiency Projects (EEPs): Guide to Data Needs for Financing EEPs in China

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:12:48 -0500

Executive Summary

The purpose of this guide (Guide) is to help industrial companies (Hosts) finance energy efficiency projects (EEPs) at their facilities as defined in Annex C of this document. The Guide is designed to help Hosts know what information is required of them by financing entities (Financiers) to streamline the evaluation and financing process. This Guide can also help financial institutions, energy services companies (ESCOs), vendors, and other project developers better understand the information required to finance EEPs. The Guide draws from the authors’ experiences and insights gained through extensive work with Hosts, Financiers, ESCOs, prestigious universities such as Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU), and other stakeholders in the financing of EEPs. It was developed in partnership with Chinese and global Financiers and energy efficiency experts.

Findings indicate that Hosts can accelerate and enhance the financing process and likelihood of success in three ways:

Communicating with Financiers as early as possible to understand their informational or structural needs, their financing decision-making criteria and processes, as well as any special services that the Financiers provide (i.e., technical assistance in designing EEPs).
Performing a “self-screening” assessment of any proposed EEPs that many Financiers would evaluate, such as type of Host or technology, size of project, and so on.
Providing as much detailed and accurate information as possible at the beginning of the financing process since plentiful data will increase credibility with Financiers.

Hosts often experience delays and rejection of EEP financing because Financiers were not provided critical Host and project data in a timely and accurate manner. This has prevented Financiers from receiving a compelling picture of the benefits and (limited) risks of a promising EEP. Being prepared to present the correct data to Financiers results in a smoother financing process and a much higher probability of success.

This Guide is designed to:

familiarize Hosts with the type of data most Financiers use to evaluate EEPs, as set forth in Annex A: EEP Assessment Indicators, and explain why the data are important;
explain the general indicators used by Financiers to evaluate Host and project attractiveness and why these indicators are used;
explain what information is important during the different stages of the financing process;
help a Host conduct its own assessment of its EEP prior to submitting an application to prospective Financiers, to help improve the quality of the financing application and likelihood of success;
highlight common mistakes Hosts make when seeking energy efficiency financing, and illustrate the impact different financing mechanisms have on a Financier’s evaluation and requirements of the Host and the EEP.

By using this Guide to become more familiar with the financing process for EEPs, Hosts can improve their success rate in securing attractive external financing to increase their facilities’ energy efficiency.

ADVISORY: WRI's Stories to Watch 2013

James Anderson — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:03:26 -0500

WRI will host its 10th annual Stories to Watch event on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andrew Steer, WRI’s President & CEO, will present insights into the big environmental and international development trends and events that will affect people and the planet in 2013.

Topics will likely include: What will the Obama Administration do to address climate and energy? How will China’s new leadership advance its goal of “ecological progress”? What countries will emerge on the forefront of sustainability? And, how will financial constraints impact businesses seeking to shift to a more sustainable pathway?

A continental breakfast will be served.

WHAT
World Resources Institute’s Stories to Watch 2013

WHO
Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute.

Dr. Steer is a leading expert on economic development and environmental issues. He has three decades of experience working on international development and on the front lines in Asia and Africa, and at a senior level in international policy roles.

WHERE
National Press Club
Holeman Lounge
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20045

CALL-IN INFO
USA (Toll Free): (866) 803-2143
International (Toll): + 1 (210) 795-1098

Access code: “WRI”

WHEN
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. ET

Use #STW2013 on Twitter.

RSVP required to press@wri.org

Proposed Shale Gas Lifecycle Process Map

Kevin Lustig — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:04:15 -0500

Shale Gas

Kevin Lustig — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:10:56 -0500

WRI is providing insight into this issue by:

Creating guidance on how to define the life cycle of shale gas projects, in order to better assess their impacts
Studying how shale gas development in China affects the energy picture in the U.S. and internationally
Taking a detailed look at how we produce and consume energy in U.S. states and regions
Assessing the risk to water resources posed by shale gas development

Shale gas is a game-changer for global energy supply. It is already transforming the U.S. energy outlook (see figure below), and is expected to deliver over 40% of domestic gas production by 2025. Opinion is bitterly divided, however, over the environmental risks and benefits of this abundant new source of energy – so much so, that the different sides struggle to agree even on basic facts. The debate is raging over two key issues – on-the-ground impacts to water, air, communities, land use, wildlife, and habitats; and the broader energy and global warming implications of developing shale gas.

Upcoming Event
April 4, 2013
Launch of a new WRI working paper Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems