Who moves first? Unlocking the renewable power-industry opportunity

Does renewable energy deployment follow demand, or can renewable energy itself create new demand and economic opportunity? Across the world, this relationship is evolving. In some regions, growing demand from industry, manufacturing, electrification and digital infrastructure is driving renewable deployment; in others, access to affordable renewable power is attracting investment, enabling new industries and stimulating demand. These dynamics open new pathways to scale renewable energy—and raise a broader question: how can regions and communities leverage the energy transition as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness, on their own terms?

Using a dynamic “Would it work here?” format, speakers will present real-world solutions from their regions in rapid succession, with peers testing whether and how those approaches could be adapted elsewhere. Drawing on experiences across the ReNew2030 coalition, the discussion will surface practical lessons, implementation challenges and setbacks, and scalable approaches—from industrial demand creation and market reforms to financing and procurement models. At a time when international cooperation faces increasing pressure, this interactive session demonstrates how cross-regional learning can help accelerate renewable energy deployment at scale by transferring proven solutions across diverse contexts.