RE100 is a global initiative led by Climate Group in partnership with CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), bringing together the world’s most influential companies committed to using 100% renewable electricity. Since its launch in 2014, RE100 has grown into a powerful market force, with over 400 member companies as of 2025, including multinational giants such as Apple, Google, and IKEA. Collectively, these members represent a demand for over 400 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually—equivalent to the electricity consumption of a G7 country.
The rationale behind RE100 is grounded in the urgency of climate change mitigation. By shifting corporate electricity use to renewable sources, RE100 seeks to drive a systemic transformation of global energy markets. This transition not only reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also fosters innovation and long-term cost efficiency for businesses. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the power sector must decarbonize faster than any other to meet global net-zero targets by 2050, making initiatives like RE100 critical to aligning corporate practices with climate science.
Companies join RE100 for a combination of environmental, financial, and reputational reasons. First and foremost, aligning with RE100 allows businesses to publicly demonstrate their commitment to climate action. In a world where investors, regulators, and consumers are increasingly climate-conscious, this can significantly enhance a company’s brand image and stakeholder trust. According to a 2023 report by EY, 74% of institutional investors are more likely to divest from companies that fail to take meaningful climate action.
Economically, the cost of renewable energy has fallen sharply in recent years. The IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) reported that the global weighted average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar PV fell by 89% between 2010 and 2022, making renewables often the cheapest form of new power generation. As a result, sourcing renewable electricity can be a hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices and a pathway to long-term cost savings.
Additionally, joining RE100 aligns with many companies’ broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks. Companies with ambitious renewable energy goals are better positioned to meet upcoming regulatory requirements, particularly in regions like the EU and Japan, where corporate sustainability disclosure mandates are expanding rapidly.
RE100 has had a noticeable impact on accelerating the global renewable energy market. According to the RE100 Progress and Insights Annual Report 2023, member companies sourced 49% of their electricity from renewables on average, with a 100% target typically set for 2030 or earlier. In total, RE100 members now consume more electricity than the United Kingdom, and their demand is expected to grow as more companies join and existing members scale operations.
Regionally, the initiative has seen the most traction in North America and Europe. In the U.S., corporate procurement of renewables hit a record 19.5 GW in 2023, driven largely by RE100 members through power purchase agreements (PPAs). In the EU, policy support such as the Renewable Energy Directive has also bolstered corporate adoption. However, emerging markets in Asia are becoming increasingly important. Japan, for example, has over 70 RE100 members—more than any other country after the U.S.—despite limited renewable capacity and grid constraints. To overcome these challenges, Japanese firms are investing in off-site solar and corporate PPAs, supported by government-backed green energy certification systems like J-Credit and Non-Fossil Certificates.
While RE100 has catalyzed change, the road to 100% renewable energy is complex and varies widely by geography, regulatory environment, and market maturity. One of the key challenges is the availability and traceability of renewable electricity. In regions with underdeveloped energy markets, such as Southeast Asia or parts of Latin America, procuring verified green energy remains difficult due to limited infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and lack of transparency.
Another concern lies in the definition of “renewable” and the quality of energy claims. Some RE100 companies meet targets using unbundled energy attribute certificates (EACs), which critics argue do not always correspond to real-time emissions reductions. The World Resources Institute has pointed out that time-matching and locational relevance of renewable procurement are essential to ensure genuine climate impact.
Furthermore, while the RE100 goal is electricity-focused, companies must also address other sources of emissions—such as heating, transportation, and scope 3 emissions—to achieve true net-zero status. Integration of renewable heat, electrification of operations, and decarbonizing supply chains are increasingly seen as the next frontier.
RE100 has become one of the most influential platforms for driving corporate climate leadership through renewable electricity. By committing to 100% renewable power, companies send strong market signals that accelerate investment, innovation, and policy shifts towards clean energy. The initiative also provides a framework for transparency, peer learning, and collaboration—key enablers in the complex journey toward decarbonization.
However, for RE100 to reach its full potential, structural challenges must be addressed. Enhanced transparency, stricter quality standards for renewable claims, and broader integration with full-scope net-zero strategies are necessary to maintain credibility and effectiveness. Moreover, companies and policymakers must work hand-in-hand to unlock renewable energy access across all regions, ensuring a just and inclusive transition.
In a world racing to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, initiatives like RE100 offer a blueprint for corporate action and accountability. Its success illustrates that with the right frameworks and commitments, businesses can lead the way to a sustainable energy future.
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