- The global clean energy transition is accelerating in the Global South, driven by significant investments in renewable energy.
- Experts argue that the clean-energy transition will succeed only through stronger cooperation, as countries in the Global South continue to expand green-energy capacity.
The momentum behind the clean energy transition is increasingly coming from the Global South. Countries such as China, Kenya, and Brazil are rapidly scaling up renewable energy production, even as progress begins to slow in Europe and the United States. China and Brazil now rank among the world’s leading solar-energy producers. Kenya, meanwhile, generates approximately 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily driven by geothermal power. These achievements demonstrate a decisive shift in global energy leadership. However, they also reveal essential contradictions. China remains the world’s largest emitter of CO₂. Brazil, despite its firm reliance on renewable energy, continues to explore new oil fields.
Even so, experts maintain that green growth remains a viable option. Although COP30 in Belém concluded without stronger agreements on reducing fossil fuels or climate finance commitments, voices from China and Europe continue to insist that the clean energy transition can still accelerate. During a joint Euronews–CGTN debate, experts emphasised that the right combination of technology, policy, and international cooperation can enable countries to achieve significantly greater progress. They explained that no single nation will dominate the next phase of renewable-energy development. Instead, continuous innovation, wider deployment of clean technologies, strategic alliances, and growing energy demand will shape this evolution.
Furthermore, the panel highlighted the importance of collaboration. China offers scale, affordability, and industrial strength. The European Union contributes innovation, regulatory expertise, and advanced standards. Together, they could drive the next significant wave of clean-technology deployment and significantly reduce global emissions. Experts noted that China’s efforts to cut all greenhouse gases, not just CO₂, represent a meaningful step forward. Nevertheless, with a population of 1.4 billion and a vast industrial base, China faces a monumental challenge. Achieving its climate targets would amount to the most significant single emissions reduction globally over the next decade.
Moreover, analysts warned that geopolitical tensions and a lack of trust between governments pose serious obstacles. Even though many green technologies already exist, they cannot reach full scale without deeper international cooperation. The discussion also highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence and digitalisation in the clean energy transition. Smart-grid systems, industrial optimisation, and improved food production networks are just a few areas where AI can accelerate sustainability efforts.
Despite these challenges, experts remain optimistic. They believe that, with genuine collective action built on trust, advanced technology, and a unified commitment to sustainability, the world can still achieve the clean energy transition required to secure a greener and more resilient future.