Global investment in renewable energy continues to show remarkable resilience, rising 10% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, despite a challenging geopolitical landscape and a rollback of some green policies in the US. This sustained growth signals a strong underlying momentum in the clean energy transition, driven by energy security concerns and the long-term economic case for renewables.
Wind and Solar Lead the Charge
A new report from the Zero Carbon Analytics thinktank highlights that global investment in renewable technologies reached a record $386bn (£286bn) in the first half of the year. While the rate of growth has moderated slightly, the trend underscores the increasing shift of capital away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy solutions.
- Strong Overall Growth: Investment in low-carbon energy is on track to be more than double that of fossil fuels in 2025, with total energy investment expected to hit $3.3 trillion, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
- Wind Power Surges: Financing for onshore and offshore wind projects saw a significant 25% increase, reaching £126bn. China and Europe remain the largest markets, demonstrating strong commitment to wind energy.
- Grid Investment is Key: A substantial portion of newly announced clean energy finance—around three-quarters of $470bn—is earmarked for upgrading and expanding electricity grids, tackling a major bottleneck in the energy transition.
- Corporate Commitment: Despite some political headwinds, major global companies are continuing to pursue their net-zero targets, recognising that climate policy is increasingly shaping long-term competitiveness and market opportunities.
What This Means for UK Businesses
The global trend is reflected in the UK, where the government and private sector continue to invest heavily in renewables. This creates significant opportunities for businesses across the supply chain, from engineering and construction to manufacturing and professional services. Organisations like RenewableUK have highlighted the immense potential for job creation and economic growth as the UK builds out its clean energy infrastructure.
Financing Your Role in the Green Economy
The transition to a green economy requires substantial investment at all levels. For businesses looking to expand into the renewables sector, upgrade their own energy efficiency, or develop innovative clean technologies, securing appropriate finance is crucial. A specialist finance broker can provide access to a broad market of lenders who understand the opportunities in the green economy. With connections to over 95 lenders, brokers are well-placed to find funding for sustainable projects.
Key finance options for green business investment include:
- Asset Finance: To fund the purchase of renewable energy systems like solar panels, or to acquire energy-efficient machinery that reduces operational costs.
- Green Loans: Many lenders offer specific loan products with favourable terms for businesses undertaking projects with positive environmental impacts.
- Working Capital Finance: To manage cash flow for large-scale renewable projects or to invest in the necessary skills and training for a green workforce.
Partnering with a finance broker simplifies the process of securing the right funding. They can help you build a compelling case for your green project and connect you with lenders who are actively looking to support the UK’s net-zero ambitions. For further impartial advice, explore resources from the British Business Bank.
Conclusion
The sustained global investment in renewable energy, even in the face of political shifts, demonstrates that the transition to a clean energy future is a powerful economic force. For UK businesses, this trend offers a wealth of opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. By securing the right financial backing, companies can play a pivotal role in—and reap the rewards of—the ongoing green revolution.
Is your business ready to invest in the green economy? Explore tailored finance solutions today and connect with our network of over 95 lenders.