Accelerating the path to renewables: COP29 and the need for unified, actionable leadership 

By Paula Murphy, Chief Sustainability, Communications & Marketing Officer at RES

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan marks an essential moment for countries to advance the shift to renewable energy and make real progress on the commitments already made in previous years.  Achieving climate targets are critical for our shared future, but they require something more than discussion to deliver clear, actionable results. They need leadership and collective buy in. 

As a global renewable energy company, RES is dedicated to investing in our industry through the development, construction, and servicing of renewable assets worldwide. However, this transition also requires countries to align with urgency and consistency in fulfilling their commitments. For COP29 to succeed, leaders must focus on policies and partnerships that drive continued innovation and support the scaling of renewable technologies. 

One year ago, at COP28, nations pledged to triple renewable capacity by 2030—an ambitious target backed by an unprecedented number of signatories. This goal is more than a milestone. It shows the scale and speed needed to build a sustainable, resilient energy future. 

Three key pledges for a sustainable future 

At this COP, three core areas of commitment have the potential to advance the next phase of renewable development: 

1. Investment in grid and storage 
   Expanding energy storage and reinforcing grid infrastructure are crucial to making renewable energy a critical part of the global energy mix. Investing in these areas ensures that variable sources like wind and solar can provide stable power, solidifying renewables as a dependable backbone for energy systems. 
2. Hydrogen as a pillar of the energy transition 
   Green hydrogen offers a way to decarbonise challenging sectors, creating valuable sustainability opportunities across industries and paving the way for broader hydrogen adoption. 
3. Green energy zones and corridors 
   Designated areas for renewable production and transport can speed up deployment across regions. These green zones and corridors facilitate large-scale integration, supporting both local and international energy demands. 

Finance for an equitable, just transition 

A central theme of COP29 is finance – and how we must support an equitable transition. It is important that no region or workforce is left behind in the move towards clean energy. We need everyone for this to be a success.  

Our Power for Good report reflects RES’ commitment to reducing costs, creating value, and promoting growth across the renewable sector. By making renewable energy increasingly viable for investors, we aim to present a robust alternative to fossil fuels that meets consumer needs and supports global development goals. 

As a UK-headquartered company, we welcome the UK’s strengthened climate commitments under its new Labour Government. Clear leadership from one of the world’s most influential economies underscores the path forward: the world is moving towards a renewable future, and we are ready to play our part. 

As COP29 progresses, we encourage global leaders to prioritise unity, keep the renewable pledge front and centre, and turn essential discussions into meaningful actions. Only with such commitment can we build a resilient, sustainable energy future to meet global demands.