29 Apr Unstoppable Momentum: Clean Energy Takes Centre Stage at London Energy Security Summit
Amid ongoing debates around climate policy and fossil fuels, the recent Summit on the Future of Energy Security, co-hosted by the UK Government, underscored a key message: the clean energy transition is not a matter of if, but how fast.
First proposed last year and co-organised with the International Energy Agency (IEA), the two-day summit aimed to build consensus on achieving modern energy security in the face of intensifying climate threats and growing geopolitical instability. While initial concerns about turnout existed, the event made it clear that many nations remain committed to the clean energy shift, with decarbonising energy systems seen as vital to national security.
Natasha Green, Programme Lead for Global Energy Transition at E3G, acknowledged that expectations for the summit’s outcomes were mixed. However, the event revealed strong international interest in working together toward a secure, low-carbon energy future.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that despite increasing global fragmentation, more than 60 governments participated—an encouraging sign of unity. Shaun Spiers, Executive Director of the Green Alliance, shared a similarly optimistic view, saying the event struck a more hopeful tone than many previous energy summits, despite ongoing trade disputes, energy weaponisation, and climate-related challenges.
Birol emphasised that, particularly for Europe, long-term energy security cannot be achieved without phasing out imported fossil fuels. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted that global investment in clean energy reached $43 billion over the past year, reflecting growing confidence in the economic potential of the transition.
Divergence from the US Approach
While most countries showed strong alignment at the summit, reports indicated that US officials were pursuing a more cautious approach to supporting global clean energy efforts. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband acknowledged these political divisions but insisted that the clean energy transition is gaining unstoppable momentum. He reiterated that the UK’s leadership role on this issue aligns with both national interests and broader economic benefits.
Miliband stressed that the shift to clean energy is now seen not just as a climate imperative, but also as essential for national and global energy security. Despite limited US participation, the summit delivered a clear message: reducing dependence on fossil fuels is both an environmental and commercial priority. Over 130 companies and industry groups at the event urged governments to prioritise renewables, grid upgrades, energy storage, and efficiency in their energy strategies.
A global survey revealed that 97% of business leaders across 15 countries now support a major shift to renewable energy. Additional research showed that more than half of companies would consider relocating to markets with better renewable energy access within the next five years, with 49% stating they would also shift their supply chains accordingly.
Event attendees noted that the absence of the US did not significantly impact business confidence, though many believed the US risked falling behind in clean energy innovation and investment. Despite broader concerns over global economic volatility and trade disputes, countries like the UK continue to push ahead in partnership with the private sector.
Participating businesses included major financial institutions like Barclays and HSBC, as well as energy giants such as Engie UK, Enel Group, Equinor, ExxonMobil, EDF, BP, Centrica, Iberdrola, Orsted, Shell, Octopus Energy, and SSE. E3G noted that the UK’s commitment to international collaboration is already delivering tangible returns in investment and influence.
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