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Majority of executives support fossil fuel phase-out and warn of relocation risk A landmark global poll has found that 97% of business leaders at mid-sized and large companies support a transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable electricity. The findings, commissioned by E3G, Beyond Fossil Fuels and We Mean Business Coalition, suggest the world is nearing a tipping point in corporate attitudes towards energy. The research was conducted by Savanta across 15 countries, including the UK, US, Germany, Brazil, India and Japan. Nearly 78% of respondents said they back a renewables-based electricity system by 2035 or sooner. The survey comes as world leaders prepare their next round of national climate plans. Businesses said governments must act swiftly or risk losing investment. More than half of executives said they would relocate their operations or supply chains to countries with better access to renewable power. Three-quarters associated renewables with stronger energy security, while 77% linked clean power to economic growth and 75% to job creation. The report also found that 87% of executives want coal-fired power phased out within a decade. Two-thirds said coal should be replaced with renewables, grids and storage, avoiding the need for new gas infrastructure. Nick Mabey, CEO of E3G, said the polling shows nearly 80% of business executives strongly support a rapid shift to renewables. Maria Mendiluce, CEO of We Mean Business Coalition, said clean energy is now seen as the foundation for long-term competitiveness and growth. The report also highlights regional support for faster action. In Brazil, 89% of business leaders said the country should shift to a renewables-based electricity system by 2035. In India and Indonesia, more than 90% of executives supported ending coal reliance within a decade. In Türkiye, frustration is growing over fossil fuel lobbying, with 39% of executives identifying it as a key barrier. In the UK, delays to permitting and grid infrastructure were flagged as obstacles, while in South Korea, 43% of leaders called for faster investment in grid modernisation. Corporate leaders from Iberdrola, Schneider Electric, Interface, Signify and Natura said their companies are already moving to renewables and called for clearer policies and faster permitting. The organisations behind the survey said governments must now set clear incentives, robust policy frameworks and invest in workforce retraining to secure a just and rapid energy transition. |
