Sustainability & Resource Productivity

Learning from Japan’s early electric-vehicle buyers

March 2013—About one-third of early buyers in Japan say their next car may not be an electric vehicle. Companies should heed their complaints.more

Profiling Japan’s early EV adopters

McKinsey & Company's study of early EV adopters in Japan reveals some surprising findings about the reasons some consumers buy them while others stay away.

• Download the report (PDF–1.24 MB)

Battery technology charges ahead

July 2012—New research suggests that the price of lithium-ion batteries could fall dramatically by 2020, creating conditions for the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles in some markets.more

Five technologies to watch

January 2012—Innovation in energy technology is taking place rapidly. Five technologies you may not have heard of could be ready to change the energy landscape by 2020.more

Winning the battle for the home of the future

October 2011—European utilities may soon have to earn a growing share of their profits by helping households save energy rather than consume it.more

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The fast lane to the adoption of electric cars

February 2011—Large cities may be the ideal test track for the mass market. Catalyzing early adoption could take less than most auto executives and policy makers think.more

Chain lightning: Charting the evolving automotive LED value chain

Coming shifts in the automotive LED value chain promise structural industry changes that players should position themselves for now. 

• Download the report (PDF–124 KB)

Can the smart grid live up to its expectations?

This collection of articles explores both the opportunities and the challenges presented by a smarter electricity grid. more

The US low carbon economics tool

A new model enables analysis of the potential economic implications of a wide variety of possible energy and climate policies. more

Unlocking energy efficiency in the US economy

In this report, McKinsey & Company offers a detailed analysis of the magnitude of the efficiency potential in non-transportation uses of energy, a thorough assessment of the barriers that impede the capture of greater efficiency, and an outline of the practical solutions available to unlock the potential.

• Download the report (PDF–6.37 MB)

Evaluating the potential of solar technologies

September 2009—Solar power is poised to grow into a reliable alternative energy source, promising lower carbon emissions and decreased dependence on fossil fuels. What technologies are currently jostling for leadership in the market?more

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China and the US: The potential of a clean-tech partnership

August 2009—Only a collaboration between the two countries will create an environment where clean-energy technologies can thrive.more

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Electrifying cars: How three industries will evolve

June 2009—Upon entering the mainstream—in a few years or a couple of decades—electrified cars will transform the auto and utilities sectors and create a new battery industry. What will it take to win in a battery-powered age?more