What are the 3 Pillars of Corporate Sustainability?
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What is clean energy?
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In 2024, global investment in clean energy reached $2.1 trillion, outpacing fossil fuel spending. This shift reflects a broader transition: governments, businesses, and consumers are increasingly recognising that the future of energy lies in sources that are low-carbon, sustainable, and economically viable.
But what exactly is clean energy? While often used interchangeably with renewable energy, the term has a broader scope. Clean energy refers to energy sources that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reducing environmental harm while ensuring long-term energy security. This includes solar and wind power, but also nuclear energy, and advanced efficiency technologies that minimise overall energy consumption.
“ Clean energy is more than just an environmental necessity - it’s an economic force. Countries leading in clean energy development are creating millions of jobs, driving innovation, and reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. ”
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The key sources of clean energy and how they compare
- The benefits and challenges of transitioning to a cleaner energy mix
- The latest trends shaping the global clean energy market
- How leading economies like the UK, US, and EU are driving progress
As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, understanding clean energy has never been more crucial. Let’s break down what it means, why it matters, and how it’s shaping the future of energy.
What is clean energy?
“ Clean energy refers to energy sources that produce minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. While it is often used interchangeably with renewable energy, the two are not identical. Clean energy is defined by its low environmental impact, whereas renewable energy is defined by its ability to naturally replenish. Some energy sources - such as solar, wind, and hydropower - are both clean and renewable. Others, like nuclear energy, are considered clean because they generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide, but they are not renewable due to fuel constraints. ”
Clean vs renewable vs green energy
There is often confusion between the terms clean energy, renewable energy, and green energy. The table below outlines the key differences:
| Term | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Energy | Energy sources that generate little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. | Solar, wind, hydropower, nuclear, energy efficiency |
| Renewable Energy | Energy derived from sources that naturally replenish over time. | Solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass |
| Green Energy | A subset of renewable energy that is considered environmentally friendly and has minimal ecosystem disruption. | Solar, wind, small-scale hydropower, geothermal |
For example, biomass is renewable because it comes from organic material that can regrow, but its combustion can produce emissions, making it not entirely clean. Similarly, large-scale hydropower is renewable but not always considered "green" due to environmental concerns such as deforestation and water ecosystem disruption.
Why energy efficiency is part of clean energy
Clean energy encompasses not only how energy is produced but also how it is used. Energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform the same task, thereby reducing energy waste. This approach is a cornerstone of many sustainable energy strategies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), increasing energy efficiency could achieve 40% of the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Examples of energy efficiency include:
- Building insulation and smart heating systems that reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
- LED lighting, which uses up to 90% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Industrial energy optimisation, which lowers emissions in manufacturing processes.
While solar and wind farms grab headlines, energy efficiency is often the fastest and cheapest way to reduce emissions.
“ Clean energy is fundamentally about reducing the environmental footprint of power generation, whether through renewable technologies, energy-saving innovations, or low-carbon alternatives like nuclear power. ”
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Key sources of clean energy
Clean energy comes from a variety of sources, each with its own advantages and challenges. While solar and wind power are the most recognised, other sources such as hydropower, geothermal energy, nuclear power, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen also play a crucial role in decarbonising the global energy system.
Clean energy encompasses various sources that produce minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Below is an overview of the primary clean energy sources:
| Energy Source | How It Works | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Energy | Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity; CSP uses mirrors to focus sunlight | Zero emissions, scalable, declining costs | Intermittency, land use, need for energy storage |
| Wind Energy | Onshore and offshore turbines convert wind energy into electricity | Zero emissions, offshore wind has higher efficiency, declining costs | Intermittency, wildlife impacts, public opposition |
| Hydropower | Dam-based and run-of-river systems generate electricity from flowing water | Reliable, long lifespan, flexible power output | Environmental concerns, displacement, drought vulnerability |
| Geothermal Energy | Extracts heat from Earth's interior to generate steam and produce electricity | Stable power output, small land footprint, low emissions | Geographic limitations, high upfront costs, seismic risks |
| Nuclear Energy | Nuclear fission splits atomic nuclei to generate heat and produce steam | High energy density, continuous power, low carbon emissions | Radioactive waste, high capital costs, safety concerns |
| Green Hydrogen | Electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy | Zero emissions, diverse applications in energy and industry | High production costs, limited infrastructure, energy-intensive process |
| Energy Storage Solutions | Battery technologies (lithium-ion, solid-state); pumped hydro stores excess energy | Improves grid stability, enables renewable integration, enhances energy security | Material supply constraints, efficiency losses, high initial investment |
1. Solar energy
Solar energy is now the fastest-growing source of electricity, with global installed capacity surpassing 2 terawatts (TW) in 2024. It accounted for more than three-quarters of all new renewable energy installations in 2023, driven by record growth in China, the US, and Europe.
While solar is now the cheapest source of new power in most regions, its rapid expansion poses challenges, including supply chain bottlenecks, rising grid integration costs, and increasing curtailment of excess generation. Advances in energy storage and next-generation solar technologies, such as perovskite cells, will be critical in ensuring solar’s continued scalability and reliability.
How it works:
- Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: Convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials.
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area to produce steam that drives a turbine connected to an electrical power generator.
Advantages:
- Produces no emissions during operation.
- Scalable from small rooftop installations to large utility-scale farms.
- Decreasing costs make it increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources.
Challenges:
- Intermittency due to weather conditions and daylight availability.
- Requires significant land for large-scale installations.
- Energy storage solutions are needed to provide a continuous power supply.
2. Wind energy
Wind energy is set for a major resurgence, with its global expansion rate projected to double between 2024 and 2030, after a temporary slowdown caused by supply chain disruptions, inflation-driven cost spikes, and permitting delays in key markets like the US and Europe.
In 2023, global installed wind capacity surpassed 1 terawatt (TW), with China leading installations, accounting for over 65% of new capacity. Offshore wind is playing an increasingly important role, particularly in Europe, where it is expected to contribute at least one-third of total wind power generation by 2030.
However, challenges remain - rising material costs, grid infrastructure limitations, and local opposition continue to pose hurdles. To counteract these barriers, governments are expanding offshore leasing, increasing grid investment, and implementing more favorable market policies to accelerate deployment.
How it works:
- Onshore wind farms: Turbines located on land convert wind energy into electricity.
- Offshore wind farms: Turbines located in bodies of water where wind speeds are generally higher and more consistent.
Advantages:
- Generates electricity without direct emissions.
- Can be deployed in various environments, including offshore locations.
- Rapid advancements in technology have increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Challenges:
- Variable energy output due to fluctuating wind speeds.
- Potential impacts on wildlife, such as birds and bats.
- Public opposition in some areas due to aesthetic and noise concerns.
3. Hydropower
Hydropower remains the world's largest source of renewable electricity, supplying approximately 15 percent of global electricity in 2023. While historically dominant, its share is gradually declining as solar and wind grow at a faster rate. In regions such as China, Canada, and Brazil, large-scale hydropower plays a crucial role in grid stability, providing flexible generation that can compensate for fluctuations in variable renewables. However, climate change-induced droughts and ecosystem concerns are increasingly raising questions about the long-term sustainability of new dam projects.
How it works:
- Dam-based systems: Stores water in reservoirs, releasing water that spins turbines to generate electricity.
- Run-of-river systems: Utilises the natural flow of rivers without large reservoirs.
Advantages:
- Provides consistent and reliable electricity generation.
- Capable of adjusting output to match demand fluctuations.
- Long operational lifespans with relatively low operational costs.
Challenges:
- Environmental concerns, including habitat disruption and impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
- Potential displacement of communities due to reservoir creation.
- Susceptibility to changes in precipitation patterns and droughts.
4. Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy remains a stable but relatively small contributor to global electricity generation, with installed capacity exceeding 15 gigawatts (GW) in 2024. While growth has been steady, geothermal still lags behind solar and wind due to high upfront costs and geographic limitations. Countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya are leading capacity expansions, capitalising on strong volcanic activity. Advances in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could unlock new resources in non-traditional regions, but commercial deployment remains in the early stages.
How it works:
- Geothermal power plants: Extract heat from the Earth's interior to produce steam that drives turbines generating electricity.
Advantages:
- Provides a stable and continuous power output, unaffected by weather conditions.
- Occupies a relatively small land footprint compared to other renewable sources.
- Emits minimal greenhouse gases during operation.
Challenges:
- Geographically limited to regions with suitable geothermal resources.
- High initial investment costs for exploration and plant construction.
- Potential for induced seismic activity in certain areas.
5. Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy remains a key source of low-carbon electricity, with around 440 commercial reactors operating across 30 countries, providing approximately 9% of global electricity in 2024. Total installed capacity stands at about 390 gigawatts of electric (GWe), with new reactors under construction in China, India, and Europe.
While nuclear offers reliable, baseload power with no direct emissions, challenges such as high capital costs, lengthy construction timelines, and nuclear waste disposal remain barriers to expansion. Emerging small modular reactors (SMRs) may offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative, though large-scale deployment is still years away.
How it works:
- Nuclear fission: Splitting atomic nuclei (typically uranium-235) releases energy used to produce steam, driving turbines to generate electricity.
Advantages:
- Produces large amounts of continuous, low-carbon electricity.
- High energy density means small fuel volumes produce substantial energy.
- Advancements in reactor designs aim to enhance safety and efficiency.
Challenges:
- Management and disposal of radioactive waste remain unresolved issues.
- High capital costs and long development timelines for new plants.
- Public concerns about safety, especially after incidents like Fukushima.
6. Emerging technologies
Green hydrogen:
- Production: Utilises renewable energy to electrolyze water, producing hydrogen without carbon emissions.
- Applications: Can be used in fuel cells for transportation, industrial processes, and energy storage.
Energy storage solutions:
- Battery technologies: Advancements in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries improve storage capacity and efficiency.
Pumped hydro storage: Excess electricity is used to pump water uphill, releasing it generates electricity during high-demand periods
The benefits of clean energy
The transition to clean energy is being driven by a combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits. As governments and businesses accelerate investment in renewables, these advantages are becoming increasingly clear.
1. Environmental benefits
One of the primary drivers of clean energy adoption is its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector accounts for nearly 75% of global CO2 emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels. Clean energy sources - particularly solar, wind, and nuclear - produce little to no emissions during operation, making them crucial for mitigating climate change.
Beyond CO2 reduction, clean energy also helps address air and water pollution. Fossil fuel combustion releases particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Studies show that transitioning to a clean energy system could prevent millions of deaths annually caused by air pollution-related illnesses.
Additionally, renewables like solar and wind require minimal water compared to coal, gas, and nuclear plants, which rely on large volumes for cooling. This makes clean energy a more sustainable choice in water-scarce regions.
2. Economic growth and job creation
Clean energy is a major economic opportunity. Global investment in renewables hit a record $2.1 trillion in 2024, outpacing fossil fuel investment.
The sector is also a key driver of job creation. In 2024, the global renewable energy workforce surpassed 16.2 million jobs, with solar PV accounting for nearly 7.2 million of these roles. Clean energy jobs span a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and construction to research and grid modernisation. Countries leading the clean energy transition - such as China, the US, and the EU - are seeing strong employment growth in these sectors, reinforcing the economic potential of renewables.
3. Energy security and price stability
Fossil fuel markets are highly volatile, with price fluctuations driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and market speculation. In contrast, clean energy sources like wind and solar rely on free, abundant natural resources, making them more predictable and cost-stable over time.
The 2022 energy crisis, triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war, underscored the risks of dependence on fossil fuel imports. European nations rapidly expanded their renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on Russian gas and enhancing long-term energy security. Countries that invest in clean energy infrastructure gain greater energy independence, reducing exposure to global fuel price spikes.
4. Technological innovation and grid resilience
Advances in clean energy technology are driving improvements in grid reliability, energy storage, and system flexibility. Modern grids increasingly integrate smart meters, AI-driven forecasting, and battery storage, allowing them to handle variable renewable generation more effectively.
Additionally, innovations such as green hydrogen, small modular reactors (SMRs), and next-generation battery storage are expanding the role of clean energy beyond electricity generation. These technologies have the potential to decarbonise heavy industry, long-haul transport, and energy storage, addressing some of the hardest-to-abate sectors in the clean energy transition.
Clean energy in the UK, US, EU, and China
Governments worldwide are accelerating the shift to clean energy, but regional approaches differ based on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and resource availability. Below, we explore how four of the world’s leading regions in clean energy - the UK, US, EU, and China - are driving the transition, assessing their progress and the challenges they face.
The United Kingdom
The UK has emerged as a global leader in offshore wind, generating over 40% of its electricity from renewables in 2024. The country’s Net Zero Strategy aims for a 100 percent decarbonised power sector by 2035, with offshore wind as the backbone of this transition.
Key developments:
- Offshore wind expansion: The UK has the largest offshore wind market in Europe, with 14.7 GW installed and a goal of 50 GW by 2030.
- Nuclear investment: The government is backing new nuclear projects, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, to ensure baseload power.
- Challenges: Grid constraints, planning delays, and investment uncertainty are slowing new projects, despite strong momentum.
The United States
The US clean energy transition is facing significant headwinds under the Trump administration. While many of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives remain in place, their future is uncertain as the White House seeks to pause or weaken clean energy programs. Federal support for renewables, EVs, and grid modernisation is being scaled back, while fossil fuel production is being prioritised. Despite this shift, state-level policies, market forces, and private investment continue to drive clean energy expansion.
Key developments:
- Federal policy reversal: The Trump administration has paused new offshore wind projects, ordered a review of IRA spending, and halted federal EV incentives and charging infrastructure programs. The White House is also seeking ways to roll back clean energy tax credits, though congressional approval would be required for full repeal.
- Renewable energy growth slows: In 2024, the US added 30 GW of new solar capacity and 3.1 GW of new wind capacity, with Texas leading in onshore wind. However, federal funding uncertainty and regulatory slowdowns are causing delays in new projects.
- State and private investment resilience: Despite federal rollbacks, states such as California, New York, and Texas continue expanding renewables, and corporations remain committed to clean energy goals. Many IRA incentives cannot be immediately overturned, meaning existing projects still benefit from subsidies.
Challenges:
- Regulatory uncertainty: The administration’s pause on IRA funding and clean energy grants is delaying investment and project development, particularly in the solar and wind sectors.
- Offshore wind and EV industry setbacks: New offshore wind leasing has been suspended, and federal EV charging infrastructure programs have been frozen, disrupting long-term investment plans.
- Fossil fuel policy dominance: The administration is prioritising oil, gas, and coal expansion, rolling back environmental regulations, and accelerating drilling permits, which could shift investment away from renewables.
The European Union
The EU leads the world in climate policy and clean energy deployment, aiming for 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The REPowerEU Plan, introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has accelerated efforts to cut fossil fuel reliance.
Key developments:
- Renewable energy growth: The EU added 65.5 GW of new solar capacity in 2024, with Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands leading.
- Wind power expansion: Europe installed 16.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2023, with offshore wind becoming increasingly critical.
- Hydrogen and energy storage: EU investment in green hydrogen projects nearly doubled from €376 million in H1 2023 to €712 million in H1 2024, positioning it as a future clean fuel.
- Challenges: Slow permitting, supply chain dependencies, and opposition to onshore wind remain key obstacles.
China
China is by far the world’s largest clean energy investor, more than the total of the US, the UK, and the EU combined. In fact, the country has already met its 2030 clean energy targets ahead of schedule, significantly reducing reliance on coal.
Key developments:
- Solar and wind growth: China installed 277 GW of new solar capacity and 80 GW of wind power in 2024.
- World’s largest hydropower fleet: China operates over 400 GW of hydropower, including the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric facility in the world.
- Electric vehicles and battery storage: China dominates EV production and lithium-ion battery manufacturing, critical for the global energy transition.
- Challenges: Despite rapid progress, coal still plays a major role in China’s energy mix, and grid bottlenecks are slowing the integration of new renewable projects.
| Region | Key Developments | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Largest offshore wind market in Europe (14.7 GW installed, target 50 GW by 2030); Investment in new nuclear projects (Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C) | Grid constraints, planning delays, investment uncertainty |
| United States | Federal rollbacks on clean energy incentives; State-level investments keeping renewables growing; Slower solar (30 GW) and wind (3.1 GW) expansion due to regulatory uncertainty | Regulatory uncertainty, offshore wind and EV funding freeze, fossil fuel expansion |
| European Union | 65.5 GW new solar in 2024; 16.4 GW new wind; EU doubling investment in green hydrogen (€712M in H1 2024) | Slow permitting, supply chain dependencies, opposition to onshore wind |
| China | Installed 277 GW solar, 80 GW wind in 2024; Largest hydropower fleet (400 GW); Leading global EV and battery production | Coal reliance remains high, grid bottlenecks slowing renewable integration |
Challenges and barriers to clean energy expansion
Despite the rapid growth of clean energy, several key challenges continue to slow down deployment. These barriers range from policy and regulatory hurdles to technological limitations and infrastructure constraints. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
1. Policy and regulatory uncertainty
Government support plays a critical role in the growth of clean energy, but shifting policies and inconsistent regulations create uncertainty for investors and developers. The US is currently facing federal rollbacks on clean energy incentives, while the EU struggles with slow permitting processes that delay wind and solar projects. Meanwhile, in some emerging markets, a lack of clear renewable energy policies and financing mechanisms is limiting new investments.
2. Grid infrastructure and energy storage limitations
Many countries are struggling with aging grid infrastructure, making it difficult to integrate large amounts of variable renewable energy.
- Grid congestion and transmission bottlenecks are major issues in the US and EU, delaying the connection of new solar and wind farms.
- Energy storage technologies (such as lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro) are improving, but scalability and cost remain challenges. Without better storage solutions, intermittency issues with solar and wind could limit further expansion.
3. Supply chain constraints and material shortages
The clean energy industry relies on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are concentrated in a few countries. China dominates the supply chain for solar panels and batteries, raising concerns over geopolitical risks and trade restrictions.
- Price volatility for key materials is impacting the cost of renewables and battery storage.
- Recycling and alternative materials are being explored to reduce dependence on mined resources.
4. Public opposition and land use conflicts
While clean energy is widely supported, local opposition can delay or block projects:
- Onshore wind projects face resistance in some regions due to concerns about noise, aesthetics, and impact on wildlife.
- Large-scale solar farms require significant land, sometimes leading to conflicts over agriculture and conservation.
- Offshore wind is encountering opposition from coastal communities worried about tourism and fisheries.
Governments and developers are working on better community engagement strategies, as well as technological solutions such as floating solar and offshore wind farms located further from shore.
5. Investment and financing gaps
Although global investment in renewables is at an all-time high, some markets still struggle to attract funding:
- Developing countries face higher borrowing costs for clean energy projects, limiting deployment.
- Private sector financing is essential, but many investors are hesitant due to long payback periods for large-scale infrastructure.
New financing models, such as green bonds, blended finance, and carbon pricing mechanisms, are helping to close the investment gap, but policy support remains critical.
The future of clean energy
The clean energy sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, declining costs, and growing global demand for sustainable solutions. While challenges remain, the long-term trajectory for renewables, energy storage, and emerging technologies is promising. Here’s what to expect in the coming years.
The acceleration of solar and wind
Solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of new electricity in most countries, and their deployment is expected to continue at record levels.
- Between 2024 and 2030 solar capacity is projected to account for 80% of the growth in renewable energy capacity, with rapid growth in China, the US, and the EU.
- Wind power, particularly offshore wind, is expanding - the US, UK, and China are leading in large-scale offshore wind projects, while floating wind farms could unlock new opportunities in deeper waters.
- Hybrid solar-wind farms are gaining traction, offering more consistent power generation by leveraging complementary generation patterns.
The rise of energy storage and grid modernisation
Energy storage is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewables, and breakthroughs in battery technology are making it more viable.
- Grid-scale battery storage capacity is expected to quadruple by 2030, driven by advancements in lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow batteries.
- New long-duration storage solutions, such as hydrogen storage, pumped hydro, and gravity-based storage, are being developed to provide backup power for days or even weeks.
- AI and digital grid technologies are improving efficiency, helping to balance supply and demand in real-time.
Green hydrogen and the decarbonisation of heavy industry
Hydrogen is emerging as a key clean fuel for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steelmaking, shipping, and aviation.
- Countries like Germany, Japan, and Australia are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, with the goal of creating international hydrogen trade markets.
- Hydrogen fuel cells are also being explored as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for long-haul transport and grid backup power.
Expansion of nuclear and emerging technologies
While controversial, nuclear power is regaining momentum as a reliable low-carbon energy source.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being developed as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional nuclear plants.
- Next-generation fusion technology is advancing, with pilot projects expected in the 2030s.
Other emerging technologies include:
- Tidal and wave energy, offering predictable renewable power from the ocean.
- Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which could allow geothermal energy to expand beyond volcanic regions.
- Artificial photosynthesis and solar fuels, which could revolutionise energy storage and transport.
Policy and investment trends
Government policies and financial markets will play a crucial role in determining the pace of the clean energy transition.
- Carbon pricing and emissions regulations will continue to shape energy markets, with more countries adopting carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
- Public and private investment in renewables needs to reach $4.5 trillion annually by 2030 in order to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees celcius.
- Developing nations will be a major focus, as efforts to expand clean energy access and reduce reliance on fossil fuels accelerate.
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By leveraging real-time emissions data, AI-powered insights, and expert guidance, Greenly enables businesses to make informed decisions about clean energy adoption. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, transition to renewables, or achieve sustainability ambitions, our platform provides the tools to drive measurable impact. Get in touch with Greenly today to find out more.
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