Leaders of Governments and Businesses Commit to Accelerate Renewable Energy Abundance

New York, USA, 22 September 2025 - An exceptional group of government leaders, private sector executives, and figureheads from civil society financiers came together today for the High-Level Session on Renewable Energy Abundance, a flagship event of Climate Week NYC and the high-level opening of the Global Renewables Summit.

The event showcased their commitment to accelerating the build-out of zero-emissions infrastructure, driving a transformation that will reshape entire economies and societies. These technologies are already ushering in a new era of global prosperity, innovation, competitiveness, and resilience, while reducing energy costs for businesses and communities.

The leaders discussed the coordinated action needed to raise ambition, set policies to significantly increase renewable capacity, and tackle obstacles that are holding back progress.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen took to the stage alongside leaders such as the Hon President William Ruto of Kenya; the Hon Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas; Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen of Australia; founder and Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest of Fortescue; CEO and Founder Bruce Douglas of the Global Renewables Alliance; and Chair of the Board Mike Rann of Climate Group.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: "The energy transition has truly taken off. In 2024, almost two trillion dollars were invested worldwide in clean energy, and for every euro dollar spent on fossil fuels, more than two went into clean energy. And the economic case is clear. The momentum is real. But we all know that momentum alone is not enough. We need action. So to usher in a true age of renewable abundance with clean, affordable energy for all, we must act decisively. We must act as governments and industry, and we must act together, across borders, across continents. Clean energy is not only about addressing climate change. It is, in my view, also about energy security and about prosperity.

So my message to the CEOs and investors that are here today, is please tell us what you need, what guarantees, what risk sharing tools, or what is the regulatory conducive environment that you need, that we can provide that will allow you to invest at scale where it matters most. And what must governments do to help you deliver. In return, of course, we ask you to put your capital, your technologies, your innovation to work in the regions where it will have the greatest impact, so that together, we deliver on net zero, strengthen energy security, and that together we drive prosperity."

The high-level session, organised by Climate Group, Fortescue and the Global Renewables Alliance, took place at a critical time for the global energy transition; just two days ahead of the UN Climate Summit, where many countries are expected to announce their NDCs (national climate action plans).

Hon Prime Minister Philip Davis of of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas said: "We need to be the most passionate and effective evangelists for the proposition that energy reforms will expand our possibilities, not limit them. We need decision makers everywhere to understand that replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy will not come at the expense of prosperity, but is a prerequisite for future prosperity. We will never unlock the full potential of clean energy abundance if the stories we tell focus on scarcity and sacrifice. Instead, let's do a better job at painting a vivid picture for our citizens of a future in which clean energy generates prosperity that is broadly shared.

We know the work of energy reform is complex, expensive and at times overwhelming. Yet we also know that every panel installed, every regulation modernized, every grid, moves us closer to a world where energy abundance is real. The point is not perfection. The point is progress, and the belief that by working together, each step we take strengthens the chance of success for us all."

The leaders discussed how the global economy is moving from an era of energy constraints to one defined by energy possibilities, and how renewable energy and electrification are becoming the bedrock of future prosperity, productivity, and competitiveness. They delved deep into the need to work towards a future in which energy security, affordability, and sustainability reinforce one another, creating widespread social and economic benefits.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said: "We are entering the age of renewable abundance and this Global Renewable Summit proves it. Renewables now lead the way in new power generation, with investments growing 14% annually since 2018, despite pandemics, inflation, and geopolitical shocks. But the story is incomplete: emerging markets and developing economies, representing a third of global GDP, still capture less than 10% of energy transition finance. As we head toward COP30 and deliver on the UAE Consensus mandate to triple renewables by 2030, we must put equity and impact at the heart of this transition."

For families and communities, this will mean lower energy costs, enhanced energy security, and new economic opportunities. For industry, it will mean an unprecedented chance to scale innovation - from artificial intelligence to advanced manufacturing - powered by near-limitless clean energy.

Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance underlined: "The path is clear: phasing out volatile fossil fuels whilst delivering renewable energy abundance is how we create prosperity, stability and real energy security. However - if we want to build the clean, resilient and competitive energy system of the future - we must all stand up, come together and act now."

Ambassador André Correa do Lago, President-Designate, COP30 said: "The association of renewables with other agendas is a very important step forward. On energy security, energy justice, energy independence, there are so many new elements that have come together to drive lower prices, create simpler technologies and growth through easier to install infrastructure."

More information on the Global Renewables Alliance website here.