Despite the singular global goal of net zero emissions, countries will have to find their own paths to reach it, and the routes are many and varied. While some nations have been leading the World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index score for a decade, others are now seeing seismic changes to their score. So which countries are making unexpected progress in their energy transitions, and what’s behind this improvement?

EU greenhouse gas emissions fell almost 3% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the previous year. Emissions reductions were recorded in 21 of the 27 EU member states, with Bulgaria achieving a 15.2% drop – the biggest of any EU country. The World Economic Forum’s Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2023 report found there has been broad progress globally on embracing clean, sustainable energy.

Top energy news: Speeding up green transition is cheaper than delaying, ECB says; UAE pledges $4.5 billion for green energy in Africa; Indonesia steps up renewable plans in bid to cut coal use.

Investment in renewable energy is skyrocketing, in line with ambitious national targets aimed at curbing carbon emissions. As renewable energy capacity grows, better ways of storing this energy should be identified, to avoid waste and deal with demand spikes. Utility companies and other providers are increasingly focused on developing effective long-term energy storage solutions.

Electric vehicle sales continue to skyrocket, with a 71% increase in May in Europe. Governments are increasing financial support to boost EV adoption, but challenges remain to mainstream EVs.