The 24/7 Clean Energy Shift: What Jan Rosenow Reveals About Cutting Emissions

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-13

Running a business on clean energy every hour of the year is a demanding ambition. Dr. Jan Rosenow sees it as one of the most exciting areas of innovation in cutting carbon emissions. An energy and climate policy specialist, Rosenow has advised organizations including the International Energy Agency, the United Nations, and the European Parliament. In an exclusive interview with the Sustainability Speakers Agency, he explains why he remains optimistic about the energy transition and where businesses can make progress. From round-the-clock clean energy to electrification and the European Green Deal, he discusses the opportunities available and the first steps companies can take to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. ### Moving Beyond Offsets to Real Carbon Abatement In the past, businesses often bought certificates that allowed them to claim carbon neutrality by offsetting emissions. But that's the old world of carbon abatement. Now, companies are moving toward real carbon abatement—ensuring they run on clean energy every hour of the year, not just on an annual average. "We're seeing a lot of companies moving into that space of 24/7 clean energy, and that is where a lot of the innovation is happening," Rosenow says. "It's hugely challenging, but also very exciting." ### Why Rosenow Is Optimistic About the Transition Rosenow remains optimistic because he's seen predictions of difficulty and high costs repeatedly proven wrong. "When you fast forward a decade or two, you see the transition has been faster than most people predicted. It has been cheaper, and costs have fallen more than expected," he notes. He believes learning effects and innovation will overcome many challenges, with businesses playing a pivotal role. ### First Steps for Companies to Reduce Fossil Fuel Reliance The first step is to make a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy carriers. Companies then need help from experts who can provide a roadmap to meet that ambition. "Bringing in experts who know exactly how to do this is crucial," Rosenow advises. ### How Businesses Deliver the Energy Transition Businesses are the ones building infrastructure, creating opportunities for clean energy technologies to reach consumers, and developing the financial models needed for investments. "There's a huge role for business in the energy transition. I see so much innovation coming out of companies small and large that I personally believe we are already pretty far ahead," Rosenow says. ### Opportunities in the European Green Deal The European Green Deal is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Europe to transition away from fossil fuels. It offers tremendous opportunities for businesses to benefit from incentives for renewable buildout and decarbonizing energy supply. "The Green Deal will provide an immense platform and accelerator for the transition in Europe," Rosenow explains. ### The Importance of Electrification Electrification is the most important lever to lower emissions in the global economy, according to analysis by the International Energy Agency and others. By switching from fossil fuels to electricity—especially when that electricity comes from clean sources—businesses can significantly cut their carbon footprint. > "Electrification is the most important lever to lower emissions in the global economy." — Dr. Jan Rosenow ### Taking Action For businesses looking to cut emissions, the path is clear: commit to clean energy, seek expert guidance, and embrace electrification. The transition is underway, and the opportunities are immense. As Rosenow's insights show, the future belongs to those who act now.