The pace of the energy transition is accelerating, and this past quarter made that clearer than ever. As we look ahead to COP30, now just a few weeks away, it’s worth reflecting on the momentum sparked in New York Climate Week, and how it’s evolved since.
In New York, the signals were strong: new initiatives emerging, deeper collaboration taking shape, and a growing urgency to turn ambition into action. It was a chance to sit down with partners, realign on strategy, and draw momentum from a truly global movement. Conversations spanned power system modernisation and advancing blended finance – bold, urgent challenges but grounded in real opportunity.
This global energy was matched by local delivery. On the ground, our partners continued to deliver real-world change, showing what’s possible when vision is paired with action.
Scroll down to discover the breakthroughs driving the next phase of the transition, and what’s ahead at COP30.
What’s the missing link in the energy transition? The grid. That’s why, during the UN Energy Transition Solutions Dialogue in New York last month, a catalytic group of funders supported our partners at the Pooled fund on International Energy to launch the Global Grid Catalyst (GGC), a bold new philanthropic effort to accelerate grid expansion and modernisation worldwide.
With $50 million in initial capital and a goal to mobilise over $200 million annually, GGC will focus on driving technical assistance, strengthening local capacity, and fostering innovation to tackle grid bottlenecks. The initiative directly advances the COP29 pledge to deliver 25 million kilometres of grid infrastructure by 2030, with a strong focus on regions that need it most. Read more about it here.
Our partner The Energy Foundation is showcasing how distributed renewable energy is delivering real benefits across China – from lower energy costs to cleaner air for households, communities, and small businesses.
In a new feature, CEO & President Prof. Zou Ji, Programme Director Yong Ping Zhang, and local voices share how practical, people-focused solutions are shaping a just and effective energy transition, and the challenges that lie ahead as systems evolve. Watch the video here.
For the second year, young changemakers across Mexico came together for Hackathon for Our Future: a transformative event empowering youth to drive a just energy transition.
This year’s edition focused on a critical next step: turning policy into practical solutions. Organised by Nuestro Futuro, A.C. and Práctica Lab, with support from Iniciativa Climática de México, along with Instituto de Desarrollo Energía y Ambiente, the event brought 50 young leaders to Mexico City to exchange ideas and experiences.
As a result, seven bold proposals emerged – spanning community engagement, entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy. Check out the energy in action here.
With support from our partner the European Climate Foundation, Greenpeace teams in Slovakia and Romania are combining digital and on-the-ground outreach to raise awareness about the benefits and challenges of energy communities. From lively summer festivals to door-to-door campaigns reaching over 1,300 apartment blocks, they’re meeting people where they are.
In Slovakia, a children’s book focused on energy community is set to launch ahead of Christmas. Meanwhile, in Romania, Slovenia, and beyond, digital campaigns linked to everything from extreme weather to political debates – amplified by influencers – are helping reach wider audiences.
This mix of storytelling, creativity, and local engagement is making energy communities more visible, relatable, and inspiring across Central and Eastern Europe.
COP30 | Nov 10-21 (Belém, Brazil)
Our team will be in Belém for COP30, joining our partners in key conversations on the renewable energy transition and the road ahead. We’re proud to be part of COP30’s Renewables Action Agenda, driving the global push to triple renewable energy.
We’re excited to confirm two key sessions ReNew2030 will organise at the summit:
Speaker line-ups and full details coming soon. If you’re attending or would like to connect, reach us at info@renew2030.org.
