Global Momentum for Renewable Energy Grows as Countries Set Ambitious Climate Goals
A new report by 350.org, in collaboration with Zero Carbon Analytics, reveals a significant shift towards renewable energy as countries submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) ahead of 2035. The report, which analyzed climate strategies from 19 countries as of March 10, 2025, found that 15 nations have outlined specific targets or commitments to expand renewable energy in their latest plans.
Renewable Energy Targets Gain Strength
The findings highlight a growing consensus on the need for cleaner energy, with seven countries introducing new or strengthened renewable energy targets. Over 80% of the analyzed nations have expressed support for the COP28 goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This shift reflects the economic, security, and affordability benefits of renewables, according to researchers.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum. While political landscapes are constantly evolving, Sieber pointed out that the push for renewables remains strong and positive. However, he cautioned that urgent action is still required to combat climate change and the rising energy costs caused by fossil fuel dependence.
“The latest climate plan submissions reveal that countries are stepping up on renewables. Beneath shifting political winds, the trajectory is clear and more positive than expected. But we need more. With the world facing devastating climate impacts and rising energy prices from fossil fuels, half-measures won’t cut it. Countries must back their renewable energy pledges with strong policies, and the European Union, China, and others yet to submit their targets must harness this momentum.”
Leading Countries in the Clean Energy Transition
According to Victoria Kalyvas, Research Associate at Zero Carbon Analytics, an increasing number of nations now view renewables as the future of energy. Some countries are emerging as clear frontrunners in the race toward a sustainable energy transition:
✅ United Kingdom: Pledged that at least 95% of Great Britain’s electricity will come from onshore wind, solar, offshore wind, and nuclear by 2030.
✅ United Arab Emirates: Plans to increase renewable energy capacity by over 500%, from 3.7 gigawatts to 19.8 gigawatts by 2030.
✅ United States: Committed to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, including both renewable and nuclear energy sources.
✅ Marshall Islands: Set a target of 66% renewable energy by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy systems by 2050.
✅ Brazil: Surpassed its 2030 target ahead of schedule, generating 89% of its electricity from renewables in 2023—well above the initial 84% goal.
✅ Japan, the UK, and Switzerland: Accelerating renewable energy deployment at a pace faster than required to meet 2035 climate targets.
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From Pledges to Action: The Next Steps
While these commitments mark progress, the report warns that ambition alone is not enough. Governments must act swiftly to implement policies, increase investments, and establish accountability measures to ensure these targets are met.
Sieber stressed that tripling renewable energy by 2030 is not just a goal but a necessity. Without decisive action, he warned that these pledges risk becoming empty promises that fail to address the urgent climate crisis.
The deadline for updated NDC submissions to the United Nations is set for September 2025. This will be a crucial milestone in determining whether the world is on track to meet its long-term emissions reduction goals for 2035.
As global momentum for clean energy builds, the focus must now shift from commitment to execution, ensuring that renewable energy becomes the cornerstone of future energy systems worldwide.
