Climate Policy Lab Datasets
At the Climate Policy Lab, we believe that access to accurate and transparent data facilitates more ambitious climate action and improves the level of success in achieving urgent climate action goals. Our curated datasets help policymakers, researchers, analysts, and students evaluate climate strategies, understand technology investment trends, and design more effective climate policies.
Below is an overview of the core datasets CPL makes publicly available:
National Climate Policy Inventories
CPL maintains country‑specific inventories that allow users to track the design, implementation, and enforcement of national climate policies. These inventories support evaluation of government progress toward international commitments—such as NDCs and mid‑century net‑zero goals—and offer a clear, accessible reference for understanding national policy landscapes over time.
U.S. Department of Energy RD&D Spending Database
This database includes comprehensive historical data on U.S. Department of Energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment spending by category from fiscal year 1978 to the present. The data are presented in current and constant dollars. Chart visualizations display trends over time. The database is updated annually each spring after the new DOE budget request to Congress is released.
Global Public Energy RD&D Expenditures Database
This flagship dataset provides the most comprehensive global record of public investment in energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) across dozens of countries. Tracking annual spending since 2000, the database covers eight major technology categories, including energy efficiency, renewables, nuclear, hydrogen and fuel cells, storage technologies, and more. It enables cross‑country comparisons, long‑term trend analysis, and insights into national priorities in clean energy innovation.
Social, Geographic, and Equity Data on US Clean Tech Policy
This resource examines how equitable and inclusive the U.S. clean energy innovation ecosystem truly is. This dataset analyzes gender representation and geographic distribution in major Department of Energy programs—including the flagship Loan Guarantee Program and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program—from 2009 to 2022.
State‑Owned Enterprises (SOE) and Energy Transition Dataset
State‑owned enterprises play a major role in global energy systems. CPL’s SOE dataset will compile information on energy R&D investments by state‑owned enterprises, particularly in major emerging economies such as the BRICS countries. We aim to evaluate the role of SOEs in shaping global energy transitions and technology pathways. Click below to view our progress on this dataset.