12 Examples of Renewable Energy Thought Leadership 2024

By Intelligent Relations Team

November 22, 2023

Author's Page

The world continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change. And the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources is more critical than ever. 

According to the UN, none of the countries that signed on to the Paris Climate Agreement are on track to meet their 2050 net zero emissions goals. 

As we near the precipice, the need for renewable energy thought leadership is a global imperative.

In 2023, thought leaders in the renewable energy sector played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future, driving innovation and raising awareness about sustainable energy solutions. 

This article explores the top examples of renewable energy thought leadership for those looking to create or improve their strategies through 2024.  

It also offers insights into what makes good thought leadership content and provides valuable advice for those looking to make their mark in the field.

Here’s what we’ve included:

• What is Renewable Energy Thought Leadership? 
• Characteristics of Good Renewable Energy Thought Leadership
• Top 12 Example of Renewable Energy Thought Leadership

What is Renewable Energy Thought Leadership?

Renewable energy thought leadership refers to the pivotal role played by individuals, organizations, or experts who actively shape, influence, and drive innovation, policy development, and public discourse within the renewable energy sector. 

These thought leaders possess a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies, their potential impact on the environment, and the broader socio-economic landscape. Their expertise and visionary thinking enable them to guide the industry towards a more sustainable and clean energy future.

Characteristics of Good Renewable Energy Thought Leadership

The following characteristics are vital to thought leadership and the potential impact of renewable energy thought leaders: 

1. Innovation: Thought leaders in renewable energy are at the forefront of technological advancements and can showcase how new developments drive the industry forward. They should be early adopters of emerging technologies and demonstrate a vision for a sustainable future.

2. Expertise: A deep understanding of the renewable energy field is essential. Renewable energy thought leaders have extensive knowledge of renewable energy sources, their environmental impact, and the economic implications of the sector. This expertise lends credibility to their insights.

3. Clear Communication: Renewable energy thought leaders are effective communicators, able to distill complex concepts in the renewables industry into understandable language. Clear and compelling communication can inspire change and drive engagement among industry peers and the general public.

4. Sustainability Advocacy: Renewable energy thought leaders are passionate advocates for sustainability and environmental stewardship. They should be dedicated to the cause of renewable energy and able to convey the urgency of the transition to clean energy sources.

5. Cross-industry Collaboration: Collaborating with experts in related fields, such as environmentalists, policymakers, and business leaders, is a key characteristic of good renewable energy thought leadership. Renewable energy thought leaders are adept at building bridges between sectors to foster innovation and implementation.

Pro Tip: Whether these characteristics are inherent in or gained by a thought leader, the ability to put them to action in a meaningful way is at the crux of a successful renewable energy thought leadership strategy.

To learn more about thought leadership strategy, check out our article: Thought Leadership Strategy: 14 Steps to Balancing Authority and Authenticity (+ Examples) 

Now, let’s delve into some of the top examples of renewable energy thought leadership in 2024.

12 Examples of Renewable Energy Thought Leadership 2024

The following is a compilation — in no particular order — of people, policies, publications, and collaborations that are driving significant change in the renewable energy sector and shaping the industry through thought leadership.

1.  Alessandro Bernini, CEO of Maire Tecnimont

Alessandro Bernini is the CEO of Maire Tecnimont — an energy transition solutions company dedicated to innovative and sustainable processes. 

Last March, Bernini presented the launch of their “Unbox the Future” plan. 

The 10-year plan aims to accelerate the energy transition through a dual-unit business restructuring — Sustainable Technologies Solutions (STS) and Integrated Engineering & Construction (E&C) strategies.

Bernini and Maire are examples of renewable energy thought leadership for their sheer will in the industry. Their homepage says it all in huge font and caps, “WE MAKE ENERGY TRANSITION HAPPEN.” It doesn’t say, “We’ll do our best,” or “We’ll give it go.” No, they sense the urgency, and their eyes are on the future. 

2. Google’s Commitment to 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

Google continues to be a thought leader in the corporate world when it comes to renewable energy. In 2023, Google announced its commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy consumption across all its data centers and campuses. 

This ambitious goal showcases how corporations can lead the charge towards a sustainable energy future. Google’s thought leadership combines innovation, expertise, and clear communication. 

They are also investing in advanced energy technologies, including AI-driven energy optimization and large-scale renewable energy projects. 

Their commitment inspires other corporations to follow suit, and their transparent reporting on progress sets an example for accountability in sustainability efforts.

3. Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF)

BNEF is a leading provider of data, research, and analysis on the renewable energy market. 

In 2023, their renewable energy thought leadership was instrumental in guiding investment decisions, policy development, and technology adoption. BNEF provides valuable insights into renewable energy market trends, financing options, and emerging technologies.

BNEF’s renewable energy thought leadership is marked by its expertise in data analysis, innovation in market research, and clear communication of complex information. 

Closing the $18 trillion investment gap is a serious hurdle facing the renewable energy transition. Their reports, forecasts, and annual summit help investors and policymakers make informed decisions about the renewable energy sector’s future.

4. Greta Thunberg’s Youth Climate Activism

Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, has become a symbol of youth-led thought leadership in renewable energy and climate action. 

Her passionate speeches and climate strikes have captured the world’s attention, driving global awareness and policy changes. Greta’s leadership demonstrates that thought leadership is not limited to industry insiders but can be driven by determined individuals from all walks of life. 

Greta embodies the characteristics of a good thought leader through her unwavering commitment to sustainability advocacy, clear communication, and collaboration with fellow activists and organizations. 

Her influence extends far beyond her age, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue in the renewable energy movement.

5. NextEra Energy, Inc.

Based in Florida, NextEra Energy is one of the largest clean energy producers in the world. Their focus on diverse renewable energy sources accounted for 98% of their power production in 2020. With a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, NextEra has become a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector. 

The company has invested heavily in wind and solar power, establishing itself as the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy. Their bold new ”30-by-30” plan aims to install 30 million solar panels over the next seven years. 

By focusing on clean, renewable resources, NextEra is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also helping the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape. This dedication to clean energy solutions not only benefits the environment but also positions NextEra as a leader in the global shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Pro Tip: While a lot of the leaders in this roundup demonstrate thought leadership through large-scale projects, that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Thought leadership can also be about sharing expertise and leading by example through smaller sustainability initiatives.

6. The Waratah Energy Storage Facility

The Waratah Energy Storage Facility, located in northern Sydney, Australia, is a groundbreaking renewable energy project. 

This project is a collaborative effort between Oregon-based large-scale battery storage specialists Powin and the multinational investment firm BlackRock, Inc. 

The 850MW/1,650MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) is poised to be the largest energy storage installation in the world upon its expected 2025 completion. This project combines cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology with state-of-the-art grid infrastructure. 

It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the grid’s resilience and stability while promoting the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. 

The Waratah Energy Storage Facility exemplifies Australia’s commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. 

The collaboration with BlackRock will hopefully inspire large and small investors to help close the renewable energy investment gap and pave the way for more large-scale battery storage facilities.

7. Mike Hudema, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace

Canadian author and activist, Mike Hudema, is a prominent figure in the field of climate and energy advocacy. He is a campaigner at Greenpeace and Communications Director at Canopy Planet. 

With an enduring commitment to environmental causes, Hudema plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Through his work at Greenpeace, he’s led campaigns, organized protests, and lobbied for policies that address the pressing issues of our time. 

His passion for a greener future and his ability to mobilize communities have made him a driving force in the fight against climate change. His renewable energy thought leadership inspires others to take meaningful action.

8. Energy Global

Energy Global is a powerful renewable energy thought leadership publication. With its in-depth analysis, cutting-edge insights, and comprehensive coverage of the latest industry trends, the magazine has significantly shaped the discourse surrounding clean energy. 

Through articles, whitepapers, spotlight interviews, webinars, and more, Energy Global promotes innovation, informed decision-makers, and connected stakeholders across the globe. 

By highlighting success stories and breakthrough technologies, the magazine inspires the growth and adoption of renewable energy solutions, contributing to the sector’s transformation and the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy landscape.

9. NetZero Academy

NetZero Academy has emerged as a vanguard institution, catalyzing the renewable energy sector’s evolution towards a sustainable future. 

This educational platform equips professionals and enthusiasts with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to navigate the complex landscape of net-zero emissions and renewable energy solutions. 

By offering cutting-edge courses, fostering innovation, and connecting like-minded individuals, NetZero Academy plays an influential role in advancing clean energy technologies and practices. 

Its influence extends beyond education, shaping industry standards and best practices, ultimately accelerating the global transition to renewable energy sources and a carbon-neutral future.

10. GE Renewable Energy

GE Renewable Energy stands as a major player in the global transition to sustainable power generation. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and vast expertise, the company has made substantial contributions to the renewable energy sector. 

Their wind turbines and hydroelectric solutions have bolstered the world’s clean energy capacity, significantly reducing carbon emissions. With a commitment to research and development, GE has continually improved energy efficiency and reliability. 

GE Renewable Energy’s collaboration with various stakeholders has further accelerated the adoption of renewable sources. As a key driver of change, the company plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the renewable energy landscape.

11. 350.org

Founded in 2007 by Bill MicKibben and Jeremy Osborn, 350.org is an environmental organization dedicated to ending the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and fostering a clean energy future. Their efforts connect and empower grassroots movements globally to accelerate the energy transition. 

Nearly 700 campaigns and events were spearheaded or supported by 350.org last year, and they are active in over 70 countries. They understand the urgency of our climate emergency and aim to achieve a deeper energy transition centered around energy justice. 

350.org is confident the world can reach a sustainable, more just energy future through this three-step process: 

1. Stopping Fossil Fuels Everywhere
2. Halting Fossil Fuel Finance and Investing in Renewables
3. Empowering Energy Justice Campaigns

12. Amy Harder, Executive Editor of Cipher

As the executive editor of Cipher, a leading climate tech publication, Amy Harder is instrumental in reporting the latest breakthroughs and issues facing the renewable energy sector and the energy transition.

As the former energy and climate reports for Axios and energy policy reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Harder has a wealth of knowledge and experience covering the industry’s biggest challenges. 

In 2022, she received the Energy Writer of the Year Award from the American Energy Society. Through her extensive research and reporting, Amy Harder has established herself as a prolific voice in renewable energy thought leadership and climate change. 

Want to learn more about thought leadership marketing in general? Learn more here: Unlocking the Power of Thought Leadership Marketing (Benefits and Best Practices)

Wrapping Up

There are many other examples that exemplify thought leadership in the renewable energy sector. The renewable energy thought leadership examples  discussed in this article demonstrate that their influence is shaping the industry’s future. 

Good renewable energy thought leadership combines characteristics such as innovation, expertise, clear communication, sustainability advocacy, and cross-industry collaboration. 

These examples of thought leadership, whether they be people, policies, publications, or organizations, show that anyone can make a difference in the renewable energy field. 

By following these examples, you can contribute to the global effort to transition to clean energy sources and combat climate change. Renewable energy thought leadership is not limited to a select few — it’s a movement that welcomes participation from all who are passionate about a sustainable future.

Need to put a renewable energy thought leadership plan in place now? Let us help! Simply book a free consultation to get expert insight into how to get started on a robust strategy.