The urgency of phasing out fossil fuels has once again entered the international debate following António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, sharing his conclusions after meeting with renewable energy sector leaders in India.
Guterres stated that “the future of clean energy is within our reach,” but warned that achieving it requires a deep and structural transformation of the global energy system. In his message, he emphasized the need to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources, highlighting India’s role as one of the key scenarios in this transformation.
India and the Clean Energy Challenge Against Coal
A recent report from the NITI Aayog think tank reveals that, if current policies continue, coal demand in India could double by 2050. This increase contrasts with the projection that its share in the energy mix will decrease from 73% in 2025 to 47% in 2070, thanks to the advancement of renewable sources.
India, as one of the fastest-growing economies, faces the challenge of meeting its energy demand without compromising global climate goals. Guterres stressed that this balance is only possible through decisive public policy, infrastructure investments, and international cooperation.
The Global Context: Grids, Investment, and Electrification
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that the growth in electricity demand worldwide has reached its fastest pace in 15 years. This trend is attributed to the expansion of artificial intelligence, industrial automation, and the electrification of transportation and homes.
However, renewable energy developers face obstacles in connecting to existing grids. The IEA estimates that to support this growth, investment in electrical grids will need to increase by 50% compared to current levels, exceeding $600 billion annually by 2030.
A Message with Diplomatic Weight
Guterres’ position is not new, but it gains renewed momentum in a context of climate urgency. His call for a “system transformation” emphasizes that incremental changes are no longer sufficient. Decarbonization requires political will, financial action, and coherence among nations.
The leadership shown by India in certain areas, along with the challenges it faces, illustrates the complexity of an energy transition in a developing world. Guterres made it clear that the energy future will depend on the decisions made today, not tomorrow.
Source: Antonio Guterres
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