Globally, the adoption of renewable energy is gaining momentum, albeit unevenly. At the start of this year, wind turbines became the UK’s top source of energy.
In Asia, led by China, there has been a significant expansion of renewable energy technology. In stark contrast, the Trump administration’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ approach in North America is expected to vastly increase US domestic oil production. Brazil, meanwhile, is seeking a hybrid model, combining oil and gas with its substantial hydropower capacity.
This growing global polarisation raises a crucial question: is there room for a more nuanced approach? We should move away from imposing pre-determined energy roadmaps and realise the energy transition will not be a binary switch. Countries around the world will need to choose the right mix of renewable technologies and other energy sources that suit their region’s environment, needs and capabilities.
What humanising energy involves
In Europe, 90% of people believe energy transitions are essential, but less than 40% are willing to pay for them. How can we meet the pledges to scale up renewables without reconnecting energy, people and our environment?
This is part of ‘Humanising Energy.’ Humanising energy creates a new space for learning beyond the choices of conventional supply-side, technology-centric wisdom. It promotes sustainable energy systems by encouraging intergenerational inclusivity and dialogue. It means engaging with the deeper narratives being used to understand all the numbers and moving beyond the forecastable future.
To transition effectively, we need to
combine technological innovation
with societal transformation.
Merging tech innovation and societal transformation
To transition effectively, we need to combine technological innovation with societal transformation. We need to better engage society with renewable energy and start envisioning the people behind the numbers, realising that there are multiple paths to building momentum towards energy transitions.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Energy Congress, we, as the World Energy Council, will be emphasising the need for global policymakers, energy leaders and investors to connect visionary thinking with practical action to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy systems which work for everyone. This way, society can move from incremental improvements to transformational outcomes.
