RMI Outlet explores topics critical to RMI’s mission to transform global energy use to create a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all.
RMI Outlet
How to Make Solar Power Cost Competitive in 5 Years or Less
Last month, after a state senate bill increasing California's renewable energy standard failed to pass, the state's Air Resources Board (CARB) increased the goal on their own, establishing the 33 percent by 2012 renewable electricity standard. California now claims the country's highest renewable energy standard, with Colorado close behind -- 30 percent renewable by 2020.
Feebates: A Key to Breaking U.S. Oil Addiction
Guest authors Bennett Cohen and Cory Lowe are RMI alumni. Oil addiction, in particular, is a habit RMI would like to help the U.S. kick.
Making Solar Technology a Competitive Force in the U.S.
In an effort to reframe the renewable energy conversation in the U.S., many pundits have resorted to good old-fashioned competition. And who better to serve as antagonist? The one country that seems to make everything these days: China.
Ten Possibilities for Green Building Over the Next Decade
Victor Olgyay is a principal architect with the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Built Environment Team. He sees future buildings as “Green Machines,” factories for the production of ecological infrastructures.
The Secret to Hurdling Barriers for Electric Cars
In a signal that the demand for fuel-efficient and clean vehicles continues to gain momentum, the Obama administration convened a meeting of automakers and utility executives last month to explore how these two historically separate industries will work together to roll out electric vehicles. And, even though Obama’s ambitious pledge to have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015 will be supported by $2.4 billion in grants, numerous studies have pointed out multiple barriers to widespread EVs adoption.