Financing is a critical component of the energy transition as it involves significant investments in new energy infrastructure and technologies. Without adequate financing, it can be difficult to achieve the necessary scale and speed of deployment of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures needed to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

The energy transition also presents significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation, particularly in the renewable energy sector. However, unlocking this potential requires significant upfront investments, which may be challenging to finance without the right incentives and financing mechanisms in place.

In addition, financing the energy transition is crucial for ensuring energy access and affordability, particularly in developing countries where access to energy is limited. Through innovative financing mechanisms, such as microfinance, and grants and subsidies, renewable energy projects can become more accessible to those who need them most, such as low-income households, rural communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The financing of the energy transition has been increasing in recent years, but there is still a significant gap in investment needed to reach global climate goals. Here are some statistics related to the financing of the energy transition:

1. Global investment in renewable energy reached a record high of $303.5 billion in 2020, a 2% increase from 2019, according to BloombergNEF.
2. Investment in clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, energy storage, and carbon capture, reached a record $500 billion in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
3. The United Nations estimates that an annual investment of $1.6 trillion is needed until 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C.
4. According to the IEA, financing for clean energy innovation and research and development (R&D) is still insufficient, with only 22% of public climate finance allocated to clean energy innovation and R&D.
5. Developing countries face a significant financing gap in transitioning to renewable energy, with estimates suggesting that an additional $4.4 trillion of investment is needed to achieve universal energy access and meet climate goals, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

These statistics highlight the need for increased investment in the energy transition to achieve climate goals and ensure a sustainable and resilient energy system for the future.

Here are some current trends in the financing of the energy transition:

1. Growing interest in sustainable finance: There is increasing interest among investors in sustainable finance, which includes investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable projects. Sustainable finance is becoming more mainstream and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
2. The emergence of green bonds: Green bonds are a type of bond specifically designed to finance environmentally-friendly projects, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. Green bond issuances have been increasing rapidly in recent years, reaching a record $269.5 billion in 2020, according to Climate Bonds Initiative.
3. Corporate investment in renewables: Many corporations are committing to 100% renewable energy targets, and are investing in large-scale renewable energy projects to meet these targets. In some cases, corporations are also entering into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy projects to secure a long-term supply of renewable energy.
4. Increased public funding for the energy transition: Governments around the world are increasing their funding for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency measures. This is particularly true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as governments seek to invest in green recovery and job creation.
5. Advancements in energy storage: Energy storage technologies are becoming more advanced and cost-effective, which is increasing the appeal of renewable energy projects. Energy storage can help address the intermittency of renewable energy sources, making them more reliable and easier to integrate into the grid.

These trends suggest that financing for the energy transition is growing and becoming more diverse, which is critical for achieving global climate goals and transitioning to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system.