Sustainable Electricity Systems
To be sustainable, electricity systems must recover operating costs, invest for the future, provide reliable electricity and meet environmental and social objectives.
Renewable electricity generation is an essential part of a sustainable energy future. An increasing number of governments are subsidizing the deployment of renewable energy technologies for electricity generation and the growth of domestic industries. What can be learned from their experiences?
Our experts in renewable energy technologies, energy policy and environmental fiscal reform help government officials and civil society organizations achieve a supportive policy framework for sustainable electricity systems. We do this by conducting research to evaluate the impact of subsidies and electricity sector policies to make the case for reform. Our services include policy design and evaluation, bottom-up analysis of electricity subsidies, evaluation of electricity system externalities, stakeholder consultation, and the organization of seminars and other events.
- Report
Subsidy Swap: Reducing fossil fuel subsidies through energy efficiency and renewable energy in Zambia
This report examines the potential of subsidy reform to improve cost recovery in the electricity sector and promote clean energy and energy efficiency in Zambia.
Read More - Blog
Not a Case of Either/Or: How government and mines in Zambia can save money through energy efficiency
For years, Zambia’s large hydroelectric dams were able to meet the power needs of its mines, but facing rising electricity demands the country opted to increase generation using coal, diesel and heavy fuel oil.
Read More - Policy Brief
Safeguarding NDC Implementation: Building resilience into energy systems
This short brief aims to enhance awareness and highlight the importance of integrating weather and climate-related risk into the planning stages of energy infrastructure development.
Read More - Report
Kerosene to Solar PV Subsidy Swap: The business case for redirecting subsidy expenditure from kerosene to off-grid solar
If kerosene subsidies are being gradually removed, can a share of the subsidy savings not be reinvested in helping the most vulnerable households access electric lighting through off-grid solar technologies? This paper explores the idea of a “kerosene to solar subsidy swap” or a “subsidy swap.”
Read More - Report
Getting on Target: Accelerating energy access through fossil fuel subsidy reform
How can reforming fossil fuel subsidies accelerate universal energy access (SDG 7)? This paper reviews the financial and practical implications of fossil fuel subsidies for SDG 7.
Read More - Report
The End of Coal: Alberta's coal phase-out
Alberta implements one of the most ambitious coal phase-outs the world over. What are the politics and economics behind it? Learn more from our new report.
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Electricity Sector Reform in Uttar Pradesh: Analysis of tariff adjustments and the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana Plan (UDAY)
This study by IISD-Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) examines the electricity sector of the state of Uttar Pradesh by analyzing tariff adjustments and the financial assistance scheme UDAY.
Read More - Commentary
The Coming EVolution of Road Transport
The transition to electric vehicles will cripple long-entrenched markets and create new ones; it will challenge economic and social systems to adapt at uncomfortable speeds and will be accompanied by significant shifts in geopolitical power and relations.
Read More - Report
Cities and Smart Grids in Canada
This report looks specifically at smart grids within the context of grid modernization and urban settings in Canada.
Read More - Policy Brief
Kerosene to Solar Swap Policy Brief 3: Sustainable Lighting Solutions for Rural Homes in India
This policy brief analyzes the current policy environment governing kerosene and off-grid solar use. It sets out a suite of detailed policy interventions that can be implemented to achieve a systemic transition from kerosene to solar for lighting in rural India.
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