The countries driving the world’s shift to clean energy
The world’s energy map is changing fast. What was once a distant ambition is now a visible reality. The global energy transition has arrived — in your neighbourhoods, your vehicles, and your homes. As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov points out, “The energy transition is no longer a future goal. It’s a present-day transformation reshaping every corner of our daily lives.”
Massive wind farms dot coastlines, solar panels cover rooftops, and electric vehicles quietly dominate city streets. Behind these familiar sights lies a deeper revolution, one that hinges on renewable hydrogen, green hydrogen, and cutting-edge storage technologies.
Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov explains, “We’re standing at the early stages of an irreversible shift. The choices made today will determine the structure of global energy systems for decades.”
The Pace of Change
With investment surging worldwide, one question remains: which countries are setting the pace?
- China remains the powerhouse. According to the Wall Street Journal, it was the world’s top energy transition investor in 2025. More than half of global growth in solar and wind came from China last year. In addition to expanding its capacity, China is rapidly increasing the share of renewables in its national grid, setting aggressive targets for 2030 and beyond.
- The Nordic nations continue to lead with innovation and ambition. Countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland boast some of the world’s highest percentages of renewable energy in their national grids. Offshore wind and advanced hydrogen technologies are at the heart of their strategies.
- The United States remains a key player, thanks to substantial federal investments in clean energy, grid improvements, and next-generation battery storage technologies.
- India is emerging as a green leader. Despite its continued reliance on coal, India’s solar and wind capacities are growing rapidly, with aggressive expansion policies aimed at cutting emissions while supporting its booming economy.
- Germany has achieved an energy mix that now includes more than 50% renewables. Its Energiewende policy remains one of the most ambitious globally.
- Emerging nations such as Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tanzania are increasingly drawing attention for their growing clean energy sectors.
As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, “Some countries are not just adapting to the energy transition — they are positioning themselves to lead the global clean energy economy of the future.”
The Investment Landscape
For investors, the energy transition offers both opportunity and complexity. Clean energy ETFs provide diversified exposure to sectors like solar, wind, storage, and hydrogen. But volatility and geopolitical risks remain.
“There is no one-size-fits-all strategy,” says Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “Investors need to balance optimism with caution, understanding both the promise and the unpredictability of emerging technologies.”
Beyond ETFs, individual stocks tied to green hydrogen, utility-scale solar, and advanced battery storage are attracting attention. Kondrashov advises careful research: “Informed decisions require a clear grasp of the sector’s fast-moving dynamics. It’s essential to stay updated on policy changes, technological breakthroughs, and global investment trends.”
A Global Race With High Stakes
According to Reuters, global investments in energy could exceed $3 trillion by the end of 2025, with more than two-thirds flowing into clean energy. The push is not just about climate—it’s about securing long-term economic stability, national security, and industrial leadership.
As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov emphasises, “The energy transition isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions. It’s a once-in-a-century industrial revolution that will determine which nations thrive in the new global economy.”
FAQs
What is the global energy transition?
The global energy transition refers to the shift from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources. This includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and create more sustainable energy systems.
Which countries are leading the energy transition in 2025?
Several nations are at the forefront:
- China: The largest investor in renewable energy, especially solar and wind.
- Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland): High renewable energy shares and advanced offshore wind and hydrogen projects.
- United States: Major investments in clean energy infrastructure, storage, and grid upgrades.
- India: Rapidly expanding solar and wind capacity despite ongoing coal dependence.
- Germany: Over 50% of its energy mix now comes from renewable sources.
What role does green hydrogen play?
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It offers a carbon-free fuel option for industries and transportation sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as:
- Heavy industry (steel, cement)
- Long-haul transportation (shipping, aviation)
- Energy storage for grid balancing
What are the investment opportunities in the energy transition?
Investors are increasingly looking at:
- ETFs: Broad exposure to clean energy sectors.
- Individual stocks: Companies involved in solar, wind, green hydrogen, and battery storage.
- Strategic partnerships: Joint ventures in emerging technologies.
What challenges remain?
- High sector volatility
- Policy and regulatory uncertainty
- Technological scalability
- Geopolitical risks affecting supply chains and raw materials
The energy transition is a complex but critical global effort that combines innovation, policy, and investment to secure a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
