Clean Energy Advances Amidst Rising Global Energy Demand

The Energy Transition Monitor 2026 highlights that clean electricity met 40% of new energy demand in 2025, as global clean energy investment reached $2.1 trillion. Despite this progress, total emissions have not yet decreased, driven by rising demands from sectors like data centres and heavy industry. Clean electrification is rapidly addressing emissions from power generation and road transport; however, sectors like aviation and agriculture still rely heavily on fossil fuels due to cost and technological barriers.

The report identifies four critical areas needing more focus: coal, methane, deforestation, and carbon removals. Grid bottlenecks remain a significant challenge, with substantial renewable and battery storage projects facing delays in connection and permitting processes. Solutions to these issues could accelerate progress. As electricity remains a limited part of total energy use, fossil fuels continue to fill the remaining gap.