The recent CDP report, Corporate Renewable Electricity Sourcing Trends 2024, shines a spotlight on corporate energy practices. It reveals a mix of progress as well as glaring gaps in ambition and accountability. With a wide scope, covering over 9,500 companies representing 13% of global electricity generation, the report demonstrates that corporate energy decisions have immense potential to accelerate the global transition to renewables. The report also highlights the urgency for businesses to step up and meet this challenge in time for the 2050 climate goals.
Key Insights from the CDP Report
1. Low Ambition and Accountability
- While companies report purchasing 29% renewable electricity, only 16% is credibly verified through transparent mechanisms (e.g. PPA, contract with supplier, or unbundled EAC purchase) observing the market boundaries.
- Only 10% of companies have set targets to consume 100% renewable electricity (RE), with an average target year of 2033. By contrast, 75% of companies studied have not set any RE targets, reflecting insufficient alignment with the UNFCCC’s goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Under 5% of companies have set energy efficiency targets, further limiting their ability to reduce emissions.
2. Purchasing Mechanisms and Inequality
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which directly support the development of new renewable energy projects, account for 34% of renewable electricity purchases but are largely utilized by the biggest electricity users. However, the report notes that these agreements are generally inaccessible to most companies. Unbundled EACs and contracts with suppliers remain the primary mechanisms most accessible to companies to purchase renewable electricity. Smaller and medium-sized companies—who collectively represent a substantial portion of energy use—face barriers to accessing impactful renewable energy procurement models.
3. Sectoral and Regional Disparities
- The manufacturing and materials sectors, despite being the largest electricity consumers, have some of the weakest renewable electricity ambitions. For instance, only 22% of apparel companies and 23% of manufacturing firms report RE targets, compared to 46% in services.
- Regionally, Europe leads in renewable energy consumption but still relies heavily on older projects, with many companies failing to invest in newer and more impactful sources of clean energy. Meanwhile, North America lags in adopting robust and credible RE procurement mechanisms.
The Cost of Inaction
The consequences of inadequate renewable energy adoption extend beyond environmental harm. Companies that fail to adopt ambitious renewable energy strategies risk:
- Regulatory penalties: As governments enforce stricter climate policies, non-compliant companies face legal and financial repercussions.
- Reputational damage: Consumers and investors increasingly demand transparency and accountability, prioritizing partnerships with environmentally responsible businesses.
- Missed opportunities: Companies that invest in renewables position themselves as leaders in innovation, benefiting from cost savings and operational resilience.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Corporate Leadership
Corporate decision-makers have a critical role in addressing these challenges. By setting ambitious renewable energy targets, companies can:
- Drive sectoral change: Leading by example influences peers and supply chains to adopt sustainable practices.
- Improve transparency: Verified claims not only build trust but also attract eco-conscious consumers and investors.
- Support innovation: Investment in new renewable energy projects accelerates the development of cost-effective clean energy technologies.
How STRIVE by STX Can Support Companies
At STRIVE by STX, we understand the complexities of renewable energy procurement. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or refining your strategy, our tailored solutions empower businesses to:
- Develop actionable roadmaps for achieving 100% renewable energy targets.
- Access impactful mechanisms like PPAs and direct renewable energy investments.
- Ensure credibility by streamlining reporting and third-party verification.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align sustainability goals across teams, suppliers, and regions.
With our expertise, companies can turn ambition into action, delivering measurable impact while meeting global sustainability standards.
Ready to Lead the Energy Transition?
The path to net-zero emissions demands decisive action. Now is the time to align your renewable energy strategy with global goals. Download the CDP report here to explore the full insights and contact STRIVE by STX to accelerate your decarbonization journey.
Together, we can make significant strides towards a low-carbon economy.
