Coal transition
We support governments and asset owners to assess coal retirement pathways, from plant level analysis to socio-economic impact, so that phase-out plans are financially viable and clean alternatives are ready to replace them.
Grid modernisation
We work with utilities and governments to build grid flexibility, unlock investment and deploy the innovative technologies needed to integrate high shares of renewable energy reliably.
Systems integration
We help governments and utilities sequence coal transition, grid investment and renewables deployment into one coordinated blueprint, moving from separate plans to a deliverable, bankable strategy for the whole power system.
Why the energy transition needs a systems approach
Despite growing ambition, many countries face systemic challenges in transitioning to clean power. Coal remains embedded in many energy systems and economies. Grid infrastructure is a critical bottleneck, unable to keep pace with rising demand, while policy and regulatory frameworks built for a fossil fuel era are constraining renewable deployment.
Governments are often asked to solve these challenges one by one, through coal phase-out plans, grid investment programmes or renewable targets treated as separate exercises. But coal transition, grid development and renewables integration are interdependent. Retiring coal without the grid capacity to replace it risks blackouts. Expanding renewables without a grid ready to absorb them means curtailment and wasted investment. Neither delivers the pace or cost-effectiveness the transition demands on its own.
We bring together expertise across all three areas, working with governments, utilities, financiers and communities to plan and deliver transitions that are faster, more affordable and fair to the people and places involved.
Energy has always been the foundation of human prosperity. The clean transition is the first time in history that it could be built for everyone, everywhere, without destabilising the planet.
The Carbon Trust is a highly valued strategic partner in our work to support the early retirement of coal-fired power plants. They have been one of the driving forces behind the growth of the Coal Asset Transition Accelerator (CATA), bringing leadership and high-impact analytical, strategic, and operational expertise to the table. Our collaboration on this initiative, together with a group of key partners, is providing coal asset owners with the support they need to transition their operations towards a Net Zero future.
The study showed how a smart grid rollout could support Colombia's goal of a decarbonised and reliable energy system. We can now share these insights and tools with policymakers, making future decisions on deploying smart technologies much easier.
We are proud to be partners in the Coal Asset Transition Accelerator. This is a uniquely collaborative effort, designed to partner with asset owners in emerging economies that are interested in shifting to a long term sustainable business model and to find paths that that accelerate the retirement of coal plants while addressing the needs of workers and communities. We are excited to see the first pilots finish their design phase, and hope they serve as catalytic examples for others.
Greenprint
A secure and prosperous economy depends on a resilient, decarbonised power system, and every country's path there will differ. What doesn't differ is the need for a systems-led approach: renewable deployment, coal transition and grid expansion working as one energy system rather than three separate efforts.
Greenprint is our approach to this, drawing on over 20 years of decarbonisation experience. We work with governments, partners and funders to set out the combined solutions needed for a secure, affordable power system, make the socio-economic case for the transition, map the policy and regulatory enabling factors required, and translate strategic goals into a clear implementation plan.
