Powerful turbines humming in unison across a field. Solar panels floating on the ocean, their synchronized mirrors following the sun’s path. The future of renewable energy is here, and it’s gaining momentum.
In fact, renewable energy sources now generate nearly 30% of the world’s electricity—a massive leap from just 20% in 2011. Solar energy is leading the way, and clean energy could cover 100% of our electricity needs by 2035.
Of course, that’s the goal—but how close are we really to making it happen?
In this article, we’re diving into the trends that are reshaping energy, the smart investments fueling the shift and the market forces driving a greener grid. Let’s plug into the future, starting with a look at current trends.
Right now, renewables are booming. Global energy from renewables is projected to climb to over 17,000 terawatt-hours by 2030 (up nearly 90% from 2023). Solar and wind the main drivers of this growth. By the end of the decade, solar alone is projected to overtake hydropower (which powers cities like Reykjavik, Iceland) as the world’s largest renewable energy source.
By 2030, wind and solar could supply more than 60% of global electricity. That’s a seismic shift in the energy landscape.
But to keep the lights on 24/7, we’ll need more than just solar and wind power. Here are some emerging renewable technologies that are helping to bridge the energy gap:
As more investments pour into renewables, opportunities to explore other natural sources of energy are opening up. So, with so much potential, what are investors doing to support the future of renewable energy?
Clean energy is attracting serious attention—and serious funding. In fact, the world is now investing almost twice as much in clean energy as in fossil fuels, and 2024 was a record-breaking year with $2.1 trillion in clean energy investments. Here’s where the money is going:
Despite these milestones, experts say that current levels of investment in clean energy still aren’t enough. To stay on track for net-zero emissions by 2050, we may need to double today’s investment by 2030.
The renewable energy industry needs professionals who understand both energy and economics: people who can help shape smart policy, attract funding, and move projects from concept to impact.
Clean energy is booming—but there’s no straight path to a greener grid. While the market profits from innovation, it’s also challenged by policy shifts, outdated infrastructure, and supply chain issues. Let’s unpack some of the key elements influencing how the market moves:
The bottom line: The renewable energy sector is mainstream, capital-intensive, and globally competitive. But determining whether the market will grow or stall depends less on technology and more on:
That’s why the industry needs experts who can navigate disruption, build flexible systems, and deliver scalable, reliable solutions that move as fast as climate demands.
Renewable energy is scaling fast—and it’s reshaping how the world powers up. Let’s recap some key points:
The energy transition is happening. The real question: Will you help lead it? Programs like The University of Texas Permian Basin’s energy business credentials can help you get started.
Curious where you fit into all this momentum? Whether you’re eyeing a future in clean tech, policy, or helping overhaul the grid, UTPB’s 100% online energy business programs are built for the new energy economy.
Choose from the following online programs:
Whether you want to expand your energy business knowledge, grow as a leader, or fast-track a new career, you’ll gain the strategy, finance, and market insights driving this global shift at UTPB.
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/electric-power-and-natural-gas/our-insights/renewable-energy-development-in-a-net-zero-world-disrupted-supply-chains
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/global-energy-perspective-2023-transition-bottlenecks-and-unlocks
https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/inside-supply-management-magazine/blog/2025/2025-01/the-climate-tug-of-war-between-the-u.s.-and-china
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