The Age of AI and Electricity Demand in an Underinvested Grid

Builds on last year’s finding of a market-wide retreat from Net Zero commitments, showing RGC’s portfolio held its ground even as voluntary reporting slipped. Only 3% of the portfolio is Not Aligned with net zero goals — the lowest of any benchmark tracked — while 48% is Aligned or Aligning (62% once non-reporting clean tech holdings are included), and the portfolio remains the most carbon-efficient among its peers at 65 tons of CO₂ per $1 million of sales versus 105 for the Russell 1000 Value. Also asks whether AI is becoming the next high-emissions sector, as data center growth is now outpacing Big Tech’s own decarbonization targets.

Redwood Grove Capital’s Q2 letter examines how a warming climate is lengthening wildfire seasons and worsening air quality from the American West to New York and Europe. These disruptions illustrate a broader theme: climate adaptation—not just mitigation—is becoming a durable, multi-year investment opportunity.

Climate-driven disruptions to the water cycle are creating mounting economic pressures—from municipal credit risk to infrastructure demand—highlighting a critical and often overlooked investment theme.