Global clean power alliance

Keir Starmer continued his world tour this week touching down in Brazil for the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. On day one, the Prime Minister made a strong statement by meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the importance of a “strong UK-China relationship” and China’s role in addressing global warming. This marks the first time a British Prime Minister has held such a meeting since 2018.

Whilst relations with China and the recent escalation of the war in Ukraine have taken centre stage, an important announcement has underscored the UK’s role in the world’s drive towards clean energy transition. As set out in Labour’s summer manifesto, the government has now officially launched the UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance, with the aim of “speeding up the global drive for clean power by uniting developed and developing countries across the north and south.” 

The alliance aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy by supporting countries that are “lagging behind” through the sharing of technology and financial resources. It will focus on boosting investment in clean energy, expanding energy grids, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

How will it work in practice? Much like an old-school video game, the alliance will take on ‘Missions’ to tackle the biggest challenges in the energy transition. “Level 1”, the Finance Mission, has already been launched and is co-chaired by Brazil. Its goal is to “harness the political leadership needed to unlock private finance on a huge scale, ensuring no developing country is left behind.”

Australia, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Morocco, Norway, Tanzania, the African Union are the first countries to sign up to the first mission, with the United States and the European Union expected to partner with the UK on the initiative in due course. 

This strategic international push for clean energy aligns with the government's domestic efforts to lead the green energy charge. Since taking office in July, the government has made their intentions clear on home soil, lifting the de facto ban on onshore wind, consenting several large-scale renewable Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), ending new oil and gas licences, and launching Great British Energy. 

The Global Clean Power Alliance will now serve as a cornerstone of Labour’s foreign policy platform, aiming to position the UK as a global leader in the green energy transition. This initiative also underscores the government’s commitment to driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and showcasing climate leadership on the international stage. 

While Starmer shakes hands in sunny Rio, pressure may be mounting back home as the UK braces for another tough winter. Domestic energy prices are expected to remain high, with Cornwall Insight predicting a rise in January, signalling that elevated prices could become the “new normal.” The energy market also remains highly sensitive to global events, meaning further escalation in Ukraine could offer no relief from the unaffordable cost of energy.

The launch represents a key milestone in the UK’s ambition to lead the global transition to clean energy. However, the alliance’s success will depend on the UK’s ability to address the ever increasing complex political, financial, and technological challenges. Domestically, the government faces the dual challenge of advancing green energy initiatives while managing high energy prices through winter and developing a robust economy.