The Global Energy Transition Is Unstoppable: A Call for Europe to Lead  

On 23 July 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful message: “The global energy transition is unstoppable.” His address, backed by the new 2025 United in Science: Energy Transition report, presents a compelling mix of data and moral urgency. It reaffirms what ESEIA and its members have long championed: that innovation, collaboration, and education are essential to shaping a climate-neutral future.

 Key Global Findings:

  • Global clean energy investments hit $2 trillion in 2024 — an all-time high.
  • Solar power is 41% cheaper than fossil-based electricity.
  • Wind energy is 53% cheaper than fossil alternatives.
  • Nearly 90% of new renewables are more cost-effective than fossil fuels.
  • Renewables now account for almost one-third of global electricity.

Europe at the Heart of the Transition

Progress in Numbers:

  •  47% of EU electricity in 2024 came from renewables.
  • In Q1 2025, 42.5% of EU electricity was renewable — led by solar (55 TWh), wind, and hydro.
  • EU fossil generation continues to fall, down to under one-third of electricity mix for the first time.
  • 🇩🇰 Denmark leads with 88.5% renewables, followed by 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇫🇷 France, each showing strong national commitments.

Investment Trends:

  • Renewable energy investment in Europe grew 42.9% in 2023, totaling USD 134.4 billion.
  • The EU is set to invest nearly USD 390 billion in clean energy in 2025.
  • Over 90% of Europe’s energy investments now go into clean technologies — from renewables to EVs, smart grids, and energy efficiency.

These milestones confirm Europe’s unique role in shaping a green energy future. But they also highlight the scale of the challenge. Grid modernization, skilled workforce development, and cross-sector innovation are urgent priorities.

 ESEIA’s Role: From Ambition to Action

At ESEIA, the European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance, we stand aligned with the UN’s call for accelerated, inclusive climate action. Our network of leading organizations representing the entire renewable energy innovation is united by one purpose: to build a climate-neutral Europe through innovation and education.

Read the report: UN Energy Transition Report 2025

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