An Integrated Approach to Energy, Climate, and Air Quality

The generation of electricity produces nearly a quarter of global climate emissions. But regulations governing the power sector are too often not harmonized with laws designed to address climate change, minimize air pollution, and protect public health and the environment. By integrating energy system planning and air quality compliance, regulators, utilities, and public health agencies can maintain system reliability and affordability while dramatically reducing pollution—at a cost far lower than by taking a piecemeal approach to the problems.

The RAP team’s multi-disciplinary background helps bridge the gap between energy and environmental regulators, so they can work together to identify opportunities to align power sector regulation with environmental and climate policy.

We work in partnership with regulators and policymakers to develop flexible and adaptable policy solutions that meet climate and public health goals, such as:

  • E-Merge, which utilizes multi-pollutant analysis and cost optimization modeling to achieve efficient gains in air quality;
  • Cap-and-invest policies that invest carbon allowance revenues in clean energy resources and other programs to further reduce carbon emissions; and
  • Complementary policies, such as energy efficiency programs and renewable portfolio standards, that reduce multiple pollutants, often at a lower price than conventional control equipment.

Our Focus

RAP identifies policies and technologies that can address multiple pollutants at the same time—an approach that reduces costs and risks for all stakeholders. We help regulators craft solutions that are tailored to the particular local challenges they face, while ensuring proper harmonization with regional and national policies and objectives.

From Our Blog

RAP's experts highlight policy, regulatory, and market solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Browse All Posts

From the Knowledge Center

Get our latest in-depth analysis and practical solutions to today's energy challenges.

Report September 28, 2023

Capacity markets — six mitigations for six drawbacks: A Power System Blueprint Deep Dive

By Dominic Scott, Bram Claeys, Zsuzsanna Pató Read now
Policy Brief September 26, 2023

Policy and regulatory tools to assist achievement of India’s low-carbon energy goals

By Frederick Weston, Raj Addepalli, Mahesh Patankar Read now
Policy Brief September 22, 2023

西北电力市场的最优选择:灵活调节容量市场或区域现货市场?

By Wang Xuan, Max Dupuy, Hu Junfeng Read now
Policy Brief August 29, 2023

能效资源:容量市场的又一参赛者

By Ruoshui Li, Zachary Ming, Jingying (Jing) Chen, Max Dupuy Read now
Policy Brief

Decompression: Policy and regulatory options to manage the gas grid in a decarbonising UK

By Richard Lowes Read now
Policy Brief July 28, 2023

对《电力需求侧管理办法(征求意见稿)》的建议

By Jingying (Jing) Chen Read now
Report

Implications of the Fit for 55 package on Member States’ energy saving obligations

By Samuel Thomas, Marion Santini, Danai Sofia Exintaveloni, Jean-Sébastien Broc Read now
Report

Solar and wind only cannibalise prices if you let them: A Power System Blueprint Deep Dive

By Dominic Scott, Bram Claeys Read now
Policy Brief

EVs Need to Pay Their Fair Share: A Proper Road Use Fee for Electric Vehicles

By Jim Lazar, Raphael Breit Read now
Policy Brief July 3, 2023

电力系统规划:国际视野

By Ruoshui Li, Zachary Ming, Wang Xuan Read now
Browse All Research

Events