A major new survey has revealed that business leaders aren’t just talking about renewable energy—they’re ready to stake their future on it. In a poll of 1,500 executives across 15 countries, an emphatic 97% expressed support for the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy. Further, more than half (52%) said they are prepared to relocate operations if their country doesn’t deliver clean energy access.
The survey also revealed the urgency with which executives view the transition to renewables: 78% want their companies to shift to 100% green energy within the next decade. Many of these firms are not waiting for national power grids to catch up: a remarkable 93% of businesses polled are looking at investing in on-site renewable energy generation, with exactly half (50%) planning to do so within five years.
“Renewable energy isn’t merely good sustainability practice; it’s an essential strategy for businesses committed to growth, resilience and long-term success.”
“This isn’t about distant climate goals anymore,” says Nick Mabey, CEO of E3G. “It’s about immediate business survival and competitive advantage.”
The overwhelming business support for renewable energy demonstrates a striking disconnect between corporate priorities and recent U.S. federal policy shifts. Despite the Trump administration’s moves to scale back renewable energy incentives and environmental regulations, American business leaders remain firmly committed to the green transition, with 65% of U.S. executives favoring a direct shift to renewables. Globally, 63% of leaders polled said they thought governments should prioritize investments in green energy generation over fossil fuels.
“The shift away from fossil fuels is no longer a debate, it is an economic reality driven by companies that recognize clean energy as the foundation for long-term competitive advantage, job creation, and energy price stability,” said Maria Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, which represents both major corporations and NGOs. “Business leaders are investing in renewables and would like to do more. They need governments to accelerate planning and the removal of permitting delays for renewable energy, storage and grids.”
On this point, the survey also revealed key findings about the challenges of the energy transition, with business leaders identifying a range of common practical barriers. The most frequently cited of these were the upfront costs associated with moving from fossil-based power systems to renewables, at 46%. More than two-thirds of respondents (38%) also cited insufficient electricity infrastructure as a cause for concern. Meanwhile, one-third thought a lack of government financing for renewables was causing difficulties when viewed at the country level.
“Business leaders are investing in renewables and would like to do more. They need governments to accelerate planning and the removal of permitting delays for renewable energy, storage and grids.”
