Ember

Ember is an independent, not-for-profit energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Founded in 2008 as Sandbag Climate Campaign, the organization initially focused on reforming the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The 'Destroy Carbon' campaign was one of its early initiatives, enabling the public to purchase and remove surplus carbon allowances from the EU ETS. However, the scale of surplus allowances highlighted the need for systemic policy change rather than individual actions. Recognizing the potential of the vast data collected from thousands of power stations and factories across Europe through the carbon market, Sandbag transitioned towards data-driven policy advocacy. This shift led to significant policy reforms, contributing to an increase in the EU carbon price and a reduction in power sector emissions.

In March 2020, Sandbag rebranded as Ember, signifying a new global focus on accelerating the electricity transition from coal to clean energy. The name 'Ember' was chosen to evoke the decline of coal and the rise of a future powered by clean electricity. Ember's core mission is to use data-driven insights to shift the world from coal to clean electricity. The organization gathers, curates, and analyzes data on the global power sector and its impact on the climate, making this information openly and accessibly available. This evidence-led and solutions-oriented approach aims to inform high-impact policies and empower other advocates to drive the clean energy transition. Ember envisions a future global energy system that is cheaper, cleaner, more efficient, and more secure, providing affordable energy for all. This system would be underpinned by solar and wind power, supported by storage and other flexible generation sources, and would enable the electrification of transport, heat, and industry. Ember publishes influential reports such as the Global Electricity Review, providing comprehensive overviews of global electricity generation trends.

Ember operates as a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales. The organization has policy teams across Europe and Asia, supported by data, communications, and operations teams. It is funded by various organizations, including the European Climate Foundation, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Sunrise Project, and the World Wildlife Fund. Ember's work involves providing open data, trusted analysis, local expertise, and a global outlook to inform policy decisions and shape understanding of the clean energy transition worldwide. The organization also focuses on the often-overlooked issue of coal mine methane emissions. Ember collaborates with various stakeholders, including campaign groups, politicians, and academics, to turn data into actionable insights that can accelerate the shift to a clean, electrified energy future.