What it is
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is a research organization founded by energy physicist Amory Lovins in 1982, focused on transforming the global energy system through market-based solutions. RMI publishes research on clean energy cost curves, grid modernization, building electrification, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable finance. Reports are freely available.
Why we picked this
RMI has been right about energy economics before most of the market caught up. Lovins predicted in the 1990s that renewables would become cheaper than fossil fuels, which happened in the 2020s. Their current research on industrial decarbonization and grid flexibility continues to anticipate market shifts years ahead of consensus.
Key takeaways
- RMI's analysis shows that new renewable energy is now cheaper than operating existing fossil fuel plants in most markets worldwide.
- Their Building Electrification program demonstrates that all-electric new construction is cheaper than gas-connected buildings in 48 US states.
- RMI's Global Energy Perspective provides the most detailed public cost-curve projections for solar, wind, batteries, and green hydrogen through 2050.