Impact Projects

Our network designs and delivers near-term projects.

Impact Projects like Grid Vision remove barriers to progress by targeting system constraints and delivering solutions backed by rigorous analysis.

We take a 360° systems engineering approach.

Impact Projects are designed to address system-level constraints that slow energy expansion and emissions reduction. By aligning the right decision-makers early, we avoid late-stage blockers and increase confidence in outcomes through shared analysis and validation.

Benefits of our model

  • Enables coordination across systems that typically operate in silos
  • Aligns capital, policy, and infrastructure leadership
  • Moves beyond policy and research to coordinated, near-term execution
  • Delivers results at speed

Removing the barriers that slow progress

  • Permitting
  • Interconnection
  • Cost allocation
  • Long-term planning frameworks
  • Infrastructure bottlenecks

Prioritizing solutions for cost, speed, and scale

  • Low cost per ton abated
  • Speed to deployment
  • Scalability
  • Emissions reduction potential
Real-World Impact

Our impact projects focus on opportunities capable of bending the emissions curve while strengthening energy abundance.

01

More firm and low-emissions generation.

Expanding reliable, affordable, and low-emissions power to meet rising demand. We focus on scaling proven solutions including renewables, storage, and firm capacity to deliver more energy with fewer emissions—fast.

02

Cleaner fossil fuel power.

Reducing emissions from the energy systems the world relies on today. We prioritize practical pathways like CCUS, methane abatement, and fuel switching to lower emissions while maintaining affordability and reliability.

03

Expanded transmission.

Unlocking more capacity from the grid and accelerating new buildout to get the power where it needs to go. We focus on advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) that unlock capacity on existing lines, while removing the permitting, investment, and coordination bottlenecks that limit performance and slow new development.

04

Energy efficiency and electrification.

Using energy more efficiently while shifting more demand to electricity. This creates the fastest, lowest-cost path to reduce emissions and scale low-carbon energy across sectors.

05

New generation of leaders.

Building a network of future leaders equipped to solve the Dual Challenge. Through NextGen, we develop and connect emerging talent to drive real-world impact across energy and climate.

Flagship Impact Project

Grid Vision

A practical roadmap to power U.S. electrification. Grid Vision is OpenMinds’ flagship impact project, focused on accelerating the productivity and growth of the U.S. electric grid.

Explore Grid Vision
Explore Grid Vision
Arrow Right IconArrow Right Icon
"At OpenMinds, there is an underlying theme of pragmatism—searching for what is really possible to reconcile energy and environment goals, not in theory but within the limits of physics, scarce money, and politics."
ARMOND COHEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CLEAN AIR TASK FORCE
FAQ

How OpenMinds delivers impact.

Common questions about how we design and deliver impactful, near-term projects to secure an energy-abundant, low-carbon future.​

What role does OpenMinds play in launching projects?

Plus Icon

We act as a catalyst, bringing together the right people, providing data-driven clarity, and helping align efforts to move projects forward. We focus on enabling execution, not just discussion.

Who participates in Impact Projects?

Plus Icon

Projects are led by senior leaders and experts from industry, government, nonprofits, and academia who can drive real-world outcomes.

What happens after a project is launched?

Plus Icon

Our goal is to help projects gain momentum and become self-sustaining. Once the right teams, plans, and actions are in place, projects continue forward through participating organizations while OpenMinds focuses on the next critical solution.

How quickly do Impact Projects move from idea to action?

Plus Icon

Projects are built to move at speed. Once a priority solution is identified, we mobilize and align teams on a focused plan and begin advancing actions.