Clean Fuel Investment Set to Quadruple to $100B by 2030

The world is about to witness a massive shift in how we power our future, and the economic benefits will reach far beyond cleaner air.

A new World Economic Forum report reveals that global investment in clean fuels could quadruple to more than $100 billion per year by 2030. That's a jump from just $25 billion today, driven by surging demand and government commitments worldwide.

Clean fuels include biofuels, hydrogen derivatives, and lower-carbon alternatives that can work with existing infrastructure. Right now, liquid and gaseous fuels supply 56 percent of global energy, which means this transition won't require starting from scratch.

The timing couldn't be better for workers and communities. Clean fuels generate two to three times more jobs than conventional fuels, particularly in industrial and rural areas that need economic opportunities most.

More than 25 countries signed the "Belém 4x" pledge at COP30, committing to quadruple clean fuel production and usage by 2035. That ambitious goal is backed by practical strategies developed with input from over 30 organizations.

Roberto Bocca, Head of the Centre for Energy and Materials at the World Economic Forum, emphasizes that clean fuels can "build on existing infrastructure to deliver durable environmental benefits alongside economic value." No need to tear everything down and rebuild.

The report addresses real challenges head-on. High upfront costs, uncertain demand, and inconsistent policies have stalled many projects in the past.

Solutions are already working in Latin America, Europe, and South-East Asia. The key? Performance-oriented policies, public-private risk-sharing, and better collaboration across supply chains to align buyers and sellers.

The Ripple Effect

This investment surge means more than cleaner transportation and industry. Countries gain energy security by diversifying their supplies and reducing dependence on volatile global markets.

Communities see job growth spread beyond major cities into rural areas where biofuel production and processing facilities create stable employment. The economic value stays local while contributing to global climate goals.

Business leaders have shifted from asking "should we invest?" to "how and when?" according to Bain & Company partner Cate Hight. Companies that succeed focus on customers, embrace partnerships, and share investment risks smartly.

A new Digital Playbook accompanies the report with practical case studies showing exactly how projects overcame obstacles. These aren't theoretical plans but real examples of what's already working around the world.

Clean fuels currently represent just over 1 percent of global clean energy investment, which means the room for growth is enormous. As more projects prove commercially viable, that percentage will climb rapidly.

The transformation is building momentum because it makes economic sense, not just environmental sense.