Renewable energy’s security case moves from potential to delivery

The global debate around energy security has shifted dramatically over the past year. Once dominated by concerns about securing adequate supplies of oil and natural gas, the conversation is increasingly focused on how countries can protect themselves from the economic and geopolitical shocks associated with fossil fuel dependence.

This was the central theme of a briefing organised by climate advocacy group 350.org and research organisation Global Energy Monitor ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Global Renewables Summit in New York. The organisations brought together representatives from Asia, Africa and South America to demonstrate how renewable energy projects are already delivering energy security, economic resilience and local development.

The intervention comes at a time when many countries are still grappling with the consequences of volatile fossil fuel markets. According to estimates cited by 350.org, higher oil and gas prices linked to the Hormuz crisis have already transferred hundreds of billions of dollars from households and businesses to the energy sector, with global costs potentially reaching US$700 billion by the end of 2026.

Renewable energy moves from aspiration to implementation

While debates about renewable potential have dominated climate discussions for years, speakers argued that resource availability is no longer the primary challenge. Solar and wind technologies have matured rapidly, costs have fallen substantially over the past decade, and deployment continues to accelerate.

Recent data from Global Energy Monitor’s Global Solar Power Tracker and Wind Energy Tracker indicate that combined operational solar and wind capacity worldwide has passed three terawatts, with many more projects under development. Yet the speakers stressed that deployment remains constrained by bottlenecks that governments and financial institutions can address. These include limited access to affordable capital, ageing electricity grids, inadequate transmission infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that still favour centralised energy systems over distributed generation.

According to Anne Jellema, Executive Director of 350.org, the challenge is no longer proving that renewables work. “The fossil-fuel crisis has rewritten the energy-security debate,” Jellema said. “Technology is moving fast. Communities are ready. But political delivery is lagging behind.”

One example came from Pakistan, where distributed solar adoption has expanded at a remarkable pace despite economic difficulties and policy uncertainty. Dr Omais Abdur Rehman of Renewables First described a largely citizen-led transition driven by households and businesses seeking protection from rising electricity prices and fuel-related economic shocks.

The country has imported tens of gigawatts of solar capacity since 2018, while battery storage deployment has accelerated rapidly. According to Rehman, this expansion has reduced dependence on fossil-fuel imports and shielded many consumers from the impact of international energy market volatility.

The case highlights an increasingly important trend in emerging economies. Rather than waiting for large-scale government programmes, citizens and businesses are adopting rooftop solar and battery systems directly, creating an energy transition from the bottom up. However, Rehman argued that policy frameworks have not kept pace. He called for more flexible grid planning and reduced taxation on solar panels, battery systems and electric vehicles to ensure that the transition remains inclusive rather than benefiting only wealthier households.

In East Africa, speakers challenged a development model centred on large export-focused energy projects. Rukiya Khamis of 350.org East Africa argued that distributed renewable systems, including solar, wind and small-scale hydroelectric generation, often deliver greater social benefits because they directly address energy poverty. Her comments reflect broader debates taking place across Africa, where major energy investments are frequently designed to serve industrial users, export markets or urban centres while rural communities remain underserved.

Khamis maintained that the success of energy transition policies should not be measured by export volumes or installed capacity alone. Instead, she argued, success should be judged by whether households gain access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Brazil provides a different perspective on renewable development. The country already operates one of the world’s cleanest electricity systems and possesses significant opportunities for further expansion. Victoria Santos of the Brazilian organisation Clima e Sociedade highlighted the concept of “powershoring”, which uses abundant renewable electricity to attract low-carbon manufacturing and industrial investment. Rather than simply exporting clean electricity or renewable fuels, powershoring seeks to create industrial clusters close to renewable generation assets. This approach can support employment, strengthen supply chains and increase local economic value creation.

The opportunity is particularly significant in Brazil’s north-eastern region, which possesses strong wind and solar resources. Global Energy Monitor data also indicate that Brazil holds one of the world’s largest offshore wind development pipelines.

The financing gap remains critical

Despite differing regional circumstances, a common theme emerged across all the case studies: finance remains the most significant obstacle. Renewable technologies are increasingly competitive, but many developing economies face borrowing costs that far exceed those available in wealthier nations. This raises the cost of renewable projects even when the underlying technology is economically attractive.

Leaders from the Philippines and Africa argued that international financial systems continue to disadvantage local governments and community-led initiatives. Simplifying access to green finance and improving lending terms therefore remains a priority. Noel Rosal, Governor of Albay in the Philippines, emphasised the need for partnerships that go beyond funding alone. Technology transfer, skills development and community ownership models, he said, are essential if renewable energy is to deliver long-term benefits.

A test for governments before COP31

The timing of the discussion is significant. With UNGA and subsequent climate negotiations providing key milestones before COP31, campaigners are urging governments to move beyond high-level targets and produce detailed implementation plans. The argument presented by 350.org and its partners is straightforward. Renewable energy resources are abundant. Technologies are available. Public demand is growing. What remains lacking is the political, financial and regulatory framework needed to accelerate deployment at the required scale.

As energy security concerns continue to dominate economic and political discussions, supporters of renewable energy believe the evidence is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The question is no longer whether renewables can support energy security, but whether governments can remove the barriers preventing them from doing so fast enough.

For advocates gathering in New York next week, that will be the real measure of progress: not another pledge, but a credible roadmap for replacing fossil fuel dependence with affordable, resilient and widely accessible clean energy.