Natural resources industry committed to clean energy strategies despite growing investment in fossil fuels

Rhea-AI Summary

Willis (WTW) has released its 2025 Global Clean Energy Survey, revealing that natural resources companies plan to increase clean energy technology spending by 34% in the next financial year. The survey, gathering insights from 450 senior decision-makers across global energy and natural resources companies, shows 100% of companies have clean energy strategies, with varying implementation levels.

Key findings show 71% of renewables companies are at implementing or fully implemented stages, compared to 36% for oil and gas. 63% of companies view clean energy as a growth opportunity. Technology priorities include solar (51%) in the near term, while battery storage and carbon capture are medium-term priorities. 79% of respondents cite supply chain disruption as a major risk, while 53% identify insurance blanket exclusions as an obstacle.

Positive

• 100% of surveyed companies have clean energy strategies
• 34% expected increase in clean energy technology investment
• 63% of companies view clean energy as growth opportunity
• Strong implementation progress in renewables sector (71%)

Negative

• Low implementation rate in oil and gas sector (36%)
• 53% face insurance blanket exclusions as obstacle
• 79% report supply chain disruption risks
• 48% face duration/inflexibility of insurance coverage

Willis publishes results from their 2025 Global Clean Energy Survey

LONDON, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Average spend across the natural resources industry on clean energy technologies is expected to increase by over a third in the next financial year, according to the latest global Clean Energy Survey released by Willis, a WTW business, (NASDAQ: WTW).

Against the backdrop of increased fossil fuel investment in the short and medium term, natural resources businesses have ambitious long-term investment plans in clean energy technology. The risk outlook is more complex and interconnected than ever before as companies balance conflicting priorities.

The survey received 450 responses from senior decision makers in leading energy and natural resources companies in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, providing insights into the industry’s next moves in facing its evolving challenges.

Key findings include:

• 100% of natural resources companies surveyed have a clean energy strategy, but with different levels of maturity. 71% of renewables companies are at the implementing or fully implemented stage, compared to 36% for oil and gas, 63% for power and 43% for mining and metals.
  
• 63% view clean energy as a growth opportunity: The result is similar across all sectors, indicating a widespread commitment to the energy transition. This includes oil and gas businesses, with many companies investing in clean energy alongside the recent uptick in fossil fuel activity.  
  
• Investment will increase by over a third in 2025: 34% is the average expected increase in spend on clean energy technologies and infrastructure in the next financial year.
  
• Technology priorities are shifting: 51% rated solar as a top priority in the near and medium term. In the medium to long term, 61% prioritize battery storage solutions and carbon capture and storage. Geothermal and hydrogen emerged as high priorities over a 10-year horizon.
  
• Supply chain and geopolitics are top risks:   79% named supply chain disruption and 78% geopolitical issues among the greatest risks to their clean energy strategy, reflecting concerns over trade tensions and changes to subsidies and regulations at a time of increasing global volatility. 
  
• Companies face challenges getting the right insurance:   53% said blanket exclusions were an obstacle to transferring their risks, followed by limited duration / inflexibility of insurance (48%), and lack of suitable products (47%), indicating a need for markets to develop new and better solutions for clean energy risks.
  
  

Rupert Mackenzie, Global Head of Natural Resources, Willis, said: “The risk outlook is more complex and interconnected than ever before. Navigating the clean energy transition is challenging for natural resources companies, who must balance competing regulatory, financial and operational pressures. From supply chain issues to technical and performance failures, to difficulties getting affordable project financing and right-sizing insurance cover.

Maintaining stable energy supplies and healthy revenue flows are commercial priorities, but the need to participate in the clean energy transition is unavoidable. We are committed to understanding the opportunities and obstacles that natural resources companies encounter on their decarbonization journey, as we strive to empower these organizations with the insight and support they need to make informed risk decisions today that will shape a sustainable energy future.”

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

Learn more at wtwco.com.

Media contact

Sarah Booker:
Sarah.Booker@wtwco.com / +44 7917 722040

FAQ

What percentage increase in clean energy spending is expected for natural resources companies in 2025?

According to WTW's survey, natural resources companies plan to increase their clean energy technology spending by 34% in the next financial year.

How many natural resources companies have implemented clean energy strategies according to WTW's survey?

100% of surveyed companies have clean energy strategies, with 71% of renewables companies at implementing or fully implemented stages, compared to 36% for oil and gas sector.

What are the top risks to clean energy strategy implementation identified in WTW's 2025 survey?

The survey identified supply chain disruption (79%) and geopolitical issues (78%) as the greatest risks to clean energy strategy implementation.

What are the main technology priorities for natural resources companies according to WTW's clean energy survey?

51% prioritize solar in the near term, while 61% focus on battery storage solutions and carbon capture for the medium to long term. Geothermal and hydrogen are priorities over a 10-year horizon.