Every year, the global conversation on energy transformation deepens and, with it, the recognition that today’s systems are not yet designed to deliver the future we need. Incremental reforms have taken us a long way, but not far enough. The transition to a renewables-based economy demands new technologies as well as new ways of thinking about, governing and collaborating on our energy systems.
At COP30, REN21 and IRENA are hosting the high-level dialogue “Systems Change: Unlocking what is Needed for the new Renewable Energy Era” to unpack what real systems change means in practice.
Beyond Reform: Rethinking the Foundations
The shift to a renewables-based economy illustrates both the promise and the challenge of transformation. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is available everywhere. It offers every country the chance to build prosperity through local innovation, value creation and resilience.
Yet existing institutions, infrastructure and policy frameworks were designed for centralised fossil- fuel systems. They often favour incumbent energy sources and fail to capture the broader economic and social value of renewables.
This discussion tackled a critical question: what needs to change in our systems to make renewables central to how we create wealth, share opportunities and stay within planetary limits?
This session brought together policymakers, system thinkers and practitioners to:
- Examine the tensions between incremental reform and systems change
- Discuss the roles of public and private actors in driving transformation
- Reflect on how different stakeholders define and measure success in the renewable energy era
Key Insights from the Discussion
- Systems change is not one-size-fits-all — but it is universally essential.
Transforming our energy systems requires context-specific solutions that reflect regional realities, governance models, and vulnerabilities. As Jimmy Fletcher reminded, “the system we have now is leading us to 2.7°C of warming. That means the disappearance of islands.” Every jurisdiction must define what systems change means in its context, but all share the imperative to rewire institutions, policies, and incentives around resilience and justice. - Aligning goals, incentives, and actors unlocks transformation.
Lara Fornabaio emphasised that while many convenings take place, they often lack a shared understanding of what we are trying to achieve and how to incentivise it. Systems change requires a deliberate redesign of relationships between governments, financiers, and communities. Without this coherence, climate finance remains fragmented, and progress stalls. The task ahead is to connect investment flows with transformation roadmaps — making systemic change investable. - Mindset, education, and governance reform are the real infrastructure of change.
As Kristin argued, “messiness isn’t a bug; it’s a feature.” To govern complexity, we must shift from linear thinking toward relational governance — valuing collaboration, co-benefits, and systems literacy. Changing mindsets, reforming education systems, and rethinking tax and regulatory incentives are as critical as deploying solar panels or wind turbines. They determine how societies organise and sustain transitions. - Renewables are a foundation for democratic resilience.
Renewable energy can redefine who participates in and benefits from the energy transition. When communities own their energy systems, they gain agency over their future — a concept Jimmy described as “democracy in action.” Integrating renewables with adaptation priorities in agriculture, health, and water management can turn vulnerability into resilience. True systems change means linking mitigation with adaptation and embedding equity by design. - Systems change depends on narrative, connection, and courage.
Kirsten noted that “it’s not just about climate; it’s about livability and freedom.” The stories we tell shape the systems we build. Reframing renewables as solutions for affordability, quality of life, and local empowerment can bridge the gap between vision and public support. As Zoisa North-Bond highlighted, progress also demands boldness — to lead markets, not wait for regulation. Systems change begins when collective imagination meets collective action.
About the event
Event details
Date: 12 November 2025
Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Location: Global Renewables Hub
Co-organisers: REN21, IRENA
Get Involved
Join the conversation on how renewables can reshape our economies and societies.
Stay connected through the REN21 network and follow our latest insights, events and publications on www.ren21.net and on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Join the dialogue using #RenewablesNOW.
