Electrification or electrical decarbonisation? We need both!

Sandbag’s response to the EU’s Electricity Action Plan highlights why both electrification and power sector decarbonisation are essential. It warns that growing electricity demand risks cannibalising clean power, unless renewable deployment accelerates.

Sandbag’s Response to the CBAM Calls for Evidence

Sandbag has submitted responses to the EU’s CBAM calls for evidence, addressing emissions reporting, adjustment for free allocation, and carbon prices paid abroad. We highlight risks such as loopholes and unequal treatment, and propose practical solutions to strengthen CBAM’s effectiveness and fairness.

CBAM impact on US trade: an analysis

Sandbag’s September 2025 research note explores the impact of the EU’s CBAM on US exports. It finds that even with expanded scope, the financial impact remains marginal — and US carbon pricing could turn net costs negative.

The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?

Sandbag’s latest report examines how the EU’s CBAM will impact third country exporters. While some may reduce costs through resource shuffling, real emissions may remain unchanged — calling for stronger alignment through carbon pricing.

State Aid for Indirect Carbon Costs: Reform before extending!

Sandbag responds to the EU’s consultation on State aid for Indirect Carbon Costs (ICC), calling for targeted reforms to better support clean electricity, avoid windfall profits, and align with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Heat up industry, not the climate!

This position paper analyses the European Commission’s industrial heat auction, highlighting the importance of auction design to ensure electrification reduces emissions without causing unintended increases due to electricity grid dynamics.

We’re a non-profit climate change think tank which uses data analysis to build evidence-based campaigns on climate policy

We focus on EU policies such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon border adjustment mechanisms and emissions reductions in industrial sectors. We believe in Europe’s ability to lead climate action by example and use its large market and ability to stimulate technological competition as an incentive for others to follow. But we’re also aware of the risk that Europe might fail to deliver on its own pledges, which is why we want to get EU climate policy right.

Our Work

Carbon Pricing

Our accomplishments on Carbon Pricing

Industry

Our policy recommendations on EU industry

CBAM

Our work on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

 

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Explore all of our data tools

Financing

Our research on EU funding

Publications

CCU-fuels are not renewable

 30th NOVEMBER UPDATE The Commission published its proposals for the Renewable Energy Directive today as part of the EU's Winter Package. You can read them here. Disappointingly, a loophole that...

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Paris means negative emissions

Paris means negative emissions

Brexit may mean Brexit, but Paris means negative emissions. Today, as the global agreement enters into force, governments and civil society must act in concert to deploy carbon negative technology....

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Dispelling the waterbed myth

Dispelling the waterbed myth

Additional actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are being taken across the EU in sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These include implementing energy efficiency...

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TESTIMONIALS

Sandbag is recognised as a top global climate think-tank

An inspirational idea that promises to make a real and positive difference… and a wonderful opportunity to help sort out the climate mess we’ve all created. Prof. Chris Turney is the author of Ice, Mud and Blood: Lessons from Climates Past
Chris Turney

Professor, University of Exeter

Sandbag is playing a crucial role in making sure that Europe’s cornerstone climate policy actually does its job.
Caroline Lucas

United Kingdom MP

Sandbag… strikes a balance between underlining the merits of the EU ETS and criticising the weaknesses.
Connie Hedegaard

Former European Commissioner

Mundo Matogné. Rue d’Edimbourg 26, Ixelles 1050 Belgium. Sandbag is a not-for-profit (ASBL) organisation registered in Belgium under the number 0707.935.890. EU transparancy register no. 277895137794-73. VAT: BE0707935890

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