Clean Energy Day: Supporting the Global Push for Renewables

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International Clean Energy Day celebrates and encourages the use of green energy sources to combat climate change. Credit: Getty
UN-backed International Clean Energy Day, marked on 26 January, promotes the global shift to renewable energy and universal access to sustainable power

The third annual International Clean Energy Day was observed on 26 January 2025

This global event aims to raise awareness and promote action for a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy

stablished by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, the date was chosen to commemorate the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009.

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International Clean Energy Day 2025

International Clean Energy Day serves as a platform for various stakeholders — including individuals, businesses, government bodies and nonprofits — to come together and celebrate the importance of clean energy

Portuguese politician António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, says: “This year, renewables are projected to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation for the first time. Meanwhile, their prices keep plummeting.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN

“On the International Day of Clean Energy, we celebrate this revolution. But we also recognise the challenges ahead.

“The end of the fossil fuel age is certain. But governments must ensure that it comes swiftly and fairly. 

“This is crucial to save us from the worst of the climate crisis, and to connect every person to clean energy — lifting millions out of poverty.

“This year offers an unparalleled opportunity for countries to align their climate ambitions with their national energy and development strategies.

“On the International Day of Clean Energy, let’s commit to an international era of clean energy with speed, justice and collaboration at its core.”

António ​​​​​​​’s sentiments are echoed worldwide.

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To commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy, Sapporo — often referred to as the northern capital of Japan — reaffirmed its dedication to advancing renewable energy initiatives.

This aligns with the immense renewable energy potential of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan’s northernmost island.

Hokkaido is celebrated for its abundant natural resources and holds the highest renewable energy potential in the country.

In 2023, renewable sources accounted for approximately 40% of the region's electricity generation, nearly double Japan’s national average.

The local government aims to increase this share to 60% by 2030, leveraging solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and geothermal energy.

The City of Sapporo, the Hokkaido Government and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) are collaborating to foster green transformation and regional revitalization in Hokkaido.

Their efforts include addressing challenges such as grid upgrades, financing renewable projects and ensuring local communities benefit from clean energy advancements.

Sean Kidney, CEO of CBI, says: “Hokkaido aspires to become a green energy superpower, leveraging its abundant resources and potential. 

Sean Kidney. Co-Founder and CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative

“We believe that Hokkaido now needs both domestic and international supporters and we are here to be one of them. 

“In this sense, we look forward to working together with Hokkaido and the City of Sapporo to attract capital and help establish Sapporo as a centre for green transformation.”

However, Japan is not pioneering clean energy alone.

William Lim, Japan Program Leader at the Danish Energy Agency, says: “Denmark and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation and there is much to learn from Japan.

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“How to ensure stable supply and consumption is critical for the shift to renewable energy, and Hokkaido has the potential to export energy to Honshu — the main island of Japan — and other regions.”

Appreciation for International Clean Energy Day online

Many have taken to social media to express their support for International Clean Energy Day.

Schneider Electric, Sustainability Magazine's pick for the most sustainable company for two consecutive years, says: “Clean energy is the key to a sustainable future. 

“Schneider Electric is proud to be part of the global movement to build a more sustainable world through renewable energy.”

Schneider Electric Solar Panels

Norwegian hydropower company Statkraft says: “By investing in and developing sustainable energy solutions, we not only protect our planet, but also pave the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Zentiva — whose European Manufacturing Sites are all powered by 100% renewable energy — adds: “The International Day of Clean Energy is a call to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. 

“The science is clear: to limit climate change, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable and reliable.

“Adopting clean energy is integral to the fight against climate change. 

“Step by step we are increasing the amount of photovoltaic on our roof tops to contribute with our very own source of energy. We are proud to even have our own wind turbine.”

Speaking from a technology perspective, Chinese multinational technology conglomerate Tencent — which pioneers sustainable data centres — explains how challenges arise as GenAI is transforming industries, including an increase in facilities and energy demands as a result.

“On this International Day of Clean Energy, we’re sharing how Tencent is contributing to the transition toward a greener future,” the company says.

“We’ve developed an intelligent microgrid system that integrates wind, solar and energy storage to deliver clean, reliable energy. This system powers data centres, office buildings and EV charging stations while reducing emissions and energy costs.

“Our breakthrough tackles a major renewable energy conundrum: balancing intermittent supply with real-time demand. This scalable solution not only supports our operations but also shows how technology can accelerate the global shift to clean energy.”

Perhaps the best way to summarise the impact and effects of International Clean Energy Day is by hearing from the UN itself.

International Clean Energy Day was founded by the UN

Its Environment Programme arm says: “Adopting clean energy is integral to the fight against climate change. A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the Sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels  — oil, coal, and gas — to generate electricity and heat.

“Renewable energy sources — which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste and heat from the Earth — are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.”


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