Beyond Participation: The Countries Leading the Energy Transition at COP30

This RMI briefing outlines the roles of key countries and regions—China, Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States—in the global energy transition as they approach COP30 in Belém, Brazil. It highlights the shift from high-level commitments to tangible actions, such as large-scale renewable deployment, the development of low-carbon shipping hubs, and subnational leadership in the US.

• China is a central driver of the global energy transition, accounting for over 25% of global clean energy investment, which totaled $627 billion in 2024. The country is adding over 1.2 GW of solar capacity to its grid daily and is exporting cutting-edge energy technologies worth nearly $200 billion annually.
• Brazil, as the host of COP30, is focusing on a 'COP Action Agenda' and the 'Global Mutirão' to drive collective action. The country is positioned to be a first mover in e-fuel production and is working to transform ports, such as the Port of Açu, into clean energy hubs to support low-carbon maritime shipping.
• India aims for energy independence by 2047. RMI analysis indicates that India could reduce road transport emissions by 87% and save nearly $2 trillion in crude oil costs by achieving 100% clean vehicle sales across all types. Additionally, India is deploying passive daytime radiative cooling paints and super-efficient air conditioners to manage record heatwaves.
• In Southeast Asia, efforts are focused on unlocking climate finance and deploying battery energy storage systems. In Indonesia, the Happy Energy Action Leadership (HEAL) Program supports the country's Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan to accelerate clean infrastructure deployment.
• Despite the lack of a high-level federal delegation to COP30, the United States continues to engage through subnational actors. RMI has provided technical assistance for rooftop solar and storage in Texas, virtual power plants in Illinois, and industrial modernization for the Washington Department of Ecology.

APA

RMI (2025). Beyond Participation: The Countries Leading the Energy Transition at COP30. https://rmi.org/resources/beyond-participation-the-countries-leading-the-energy-transition-at-cop30-2/

Chicago

RMI. Beyond Participation: The Countries Leading the Energy Transition at COP30. 2025. https://rmi.org/resources/beyond-participation-the-countries-leading-the-energy-transition-at-cop30-2/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Beyond Participation: The Countries Leading the Energy Transition at COP30 |date=4 November 2025 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/beyond-participation-the-countries-leading-the-energy-transition-at-cop30-2/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2025beyond, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Beyond Participation: The Countries Leading the Energy Transition at COP30}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2025}, month = nov, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/beyond-participation-the-countries-leading-the-energy-transition-at-cop30-2/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }