25+ Nations Pledge to Quadruple Clean Fuel Investment by 2030

A wave of international cooperation is bringing hope to one of climate action's toughest challenges: cleaning up the fuels that power heavy industry and long-distance transportation.

The World Economic Forum released a roadmap this week showing how biofuels and hydrogen derivatives can replace traditional fuels in sectors like shipping, aviation, and manufacturing. These aren't distant dreams. Real projects are already moving forward in regions around the world.

The momentum centers on the "Belém 4x" pledge, where over 25 nations committed to boost clean fuel production and use by 2035. It's called "4x" because global investment needs to increase four times its current level by 2030 to meet climate goals.

Right now, liquid and gaseous fuels make up 56% of all energy used worldwide. Clean alternatives represent just over 1% of clean energy investment today. That gap is exactly what this new collaboration aims to close.

Roberto Bocca from the World Economic Forum says clean fuels offer a practical path forward that doesn't require sacrificing energy security or economic growth. The approach prioritizes meeting real energy demands while transitioning to sustainable sources.

The Ripple Effect

The shift is already changing how businesses think about their futures. Companies are redesigning projects to focus on customer needs first, building in flexibility, and finding smarter ways to manage investment risks.

Cate Hight from Bain & Company notes that business leaders have moved past debating whether to invest in clean fuels. Now they're focused on how and when, a sign that clean fuels are becoming economically viable, not just environmentally necessary.

The economic benefits extend beyond the energy sector itself. Clean fuel production creates manufacturing jobs, reduces dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets, and helps countries build domestic energy industries. Communities near production facilities benefit from stable employment and local economic growth.

Challenges remain, including high startup costs and the need for consistent government policies. Success depends on public and private sectors sharing risks and coordinating across industries. The new Digital Playbook released with the report provides real case studies showing how different regions are overcoming these barriers.

The shift represents thousands of individual projects, each one moving the world closer to cleaner air, more stable energy prices, and industries that don't depend on fossil fuels.