Global | April 8, 2025

Unlocking renewable energy future in emerging markets

World Economic Forum’s initiative seeks to accelerate clean energy investment in developing countries.

 

renewable energy_shutterstock_2521179109

Image for illustration purposes

Emerging markets face funding challenges for clean energy, but the World Economic Forum is working to unlock essential investments for the global energy transition.

For emerging economies, the transition to clean energy is crucial for enhancing energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and achieving sustainable development. However, current investments in renewable energy projects remain insufficient. To meet the rising energy demands and stay aligned with global climate goals, investments need to more than triple by the early 2030s.

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Mobilizing Investment for Clean Energy in Emerging Economies initiative has been working since 2021 to address these gaps. The initiative engages both public and private sector stakeholders to identify key risks and challenges in clean energy financing across countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa. The WEF has launched the Network to Mobilize Clean Energy Investment, a platform designed to help countries outline their financing needs and share successful strategies for clean energy.

Despite the immense potential for renewable energy in these regions, attracting investments is challenging due to high risks and regulatory uncertainties. In countries like Malaysia and South Africa, the Forum has already facilitated concrete solutions such as the establishment of renewable energy zones an renewable energy zones d renewable energy zones for small-scale projects.

As the demand for clean energy grows, ensuring the financing of these projects in emerging markets is critical to achieving a sustainable, net-zero future.

Source: Worl Economic Forum