https://www.climateweeknyc.org/our-work/press/leaders-governments-and-bu...
New York, September 22 – 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 Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen of Australia; founder and Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest of Fortescue; CEO Bruce Douglas of the Global Renewables Alliance; and Chair of the Board Mike Rann of Climate Group.
Photo: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Credit: Global Renewables Alliance
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).
Photo: Hon Prime Minister Philip Davis of of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Credit: Global Renewables Alliance
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.
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.
Dr Andrew Forret, Fortescue Executive Chairman and Founder, said:
“Without ending fossil fuels, there will be no lasting stability. The news is good - the economics are with us. Green energy is everywhere. You feel it every day - on your face, your skin, the wind blowing through your hair. It’s the financially sensible decision, it’s 24/7 green power. We must build this global partnership that binds innovation, governments to manufacturing - East and West - to deliver rapid decarbonisation, to build this prosperity. Not just share it, build it. It's about courage, it's about science in an age of disruption. These principles must endure leadership by action. Please, reject anything which stands in the way of this. It is the right of every citizen to have the lowest cost of energy and an energy which will not harm their children.”
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.”
Mike Rann, Chair of the Board at Climate Group:
“This isn't just a race to tackle climate change, it is an opportunity to drive economic excellence and future profits. The noise from the fossil fuel lobby and their political cheerleaders can't disguise that we’re entering an era of renewable abundance, and the smartest businesses are embracing that. Anyone who raises the white flag now, will eventually lose and be left behind. For too long, fossil fuel lobbyists found a willing ear with politicians. Climate Week NYC is making clear that it makes economic sense to embrace the inevitable future, not cling to a toxic past and the short term spoils of defeat.”
The initial open discussion was followed by a closed-door roundtable to identify practical pathways for accelerating renewable deployment, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and ensure commitments translate into real-world impact.”
The Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Australia:
“Australia is acting on climate change and seizing the economic opportunity before our nation. We have accepted our independent experts’ advice to set a new 2035 target cutting emissions by 62-70 per cent, compared to 2005 levels.
This is ambitious but achievable. It sends the right investment signal, responds to the science and is delivered with a practical plan. The global shift to clean energy represents one of the biggest economic transformations since the Industrial Revolution – and it presents Australia with an enormous economic and jobs opportunity.”
Ambassador André Correa do Lago, President-Designate, COP30:
"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"
H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29:
"Renewable energy offers countries around the world the chance to deliver both development and carbon neutrality, but we must put in place the finance that developing nations need to seize this opportunity. The COP29Presidency will work with donors to deliver on every pledge made in Baku, so we can unleash the next wave of renewable power. Alongside this, we will work with signatories to implement the COP29 Action Agenda declarations focused on the practical steps needed to deliver the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, from grid capacity, to green energy zones and corridors, to clean hydrogen."
H.E. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Energy & Environment, Republic of Indonesia:
"I am honored to join this important conversation. The world is entering an era of energy abundance driven by renewables and electrification. For Indonesia, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity. With vast resources and a growing economy, Indonesia has a vital role in delivering affordable, sustainable energy that powers inclusive growth. By fostering innovation, mobilizing investment, and deepening international cooperation, we can demonstrate how emerging economies can accelerate the global transition while securing prosperity and resilience for our people.”
Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer:
“AI provides an unprecedented opportunity to drive meaningful and positive change. With investments in advanced energy technologies, enhanced grid infrastructure, and collaboration across sectors, we can power this innovation with abundant, affordable, clean, and reliable energy for everyone.”
Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ingka Group, IKEA:
“The future of energy is renewable, and the world must replace fossil fuels with affordable renewable energy that's accessible for all. As a company we’re committed to the transition and will invest €7.5 bln by 2030 and have already invested or commuted to invest over €4.2 bln across multiple markets. Now, we must work together to innovate new solutions and create the market conditions for a society powered by renewables. To move with greater speed, we need policies that fast-track deployment and unlock grid access, so it is key to keep progress and ambitious goals unchanged. Change will only come if we remain focused, work together and co-create solutions.”
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency:
“We’re 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.”
Lord Adair Turner, Chair, Energy Transitions Committee:
“Wind and solar will be the dominant source of power in most countries, providing 70% or more of electricity at costs at or below today’s fossil-based systems. In particular, in the global sun belt, the collapsing cost of solar PV and batteries makes possible far cheaper and more rapid growth in green electricity supply than seemed feasible 10 years ago. But wind belt countries can also achieve cost-effective decarbonisation by leading in offshore wind, long-duration storage, and grid innovation.”
Bernhard Suchland, SUNOTEC’s CEO: “The transition to renewable energy is not only a climate imperative but also a historic opportunity for sustainable growth. By accelerating the deployment of clean technologies, we can deliver affordable energy, strengthen resilience, and unlock innovation on a global scale. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities is the key to making renewable abundance a reality for all.”
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation: “Across the globe, we see the transformative power of the sun and wind, driving economies and unlocking opportunity. As a top investor in renewables, we know that green electrons can change lives. We’ll keep investing in projects that empower communities and put people at the heart of the clean energy revolution."
