International Day of Clean Energy

Every year on 26 January, the world marks the International Day of Clean Energy, a moment to reflect on one of the most defining challenges—and opportunities—of our time: How we produce, distribute, and consume energy.

Clean energy is no longer a future aspiration. It is a present-day necessity that sits at the intersection of climate action, economic resilience, public health, and workplace safety. As global energy demand continues to rise, the choices we make today will shape not only environmental outcomes, but also social equity and long-term development.

Why Clean Energy Matters Now More Than Ever

The global energy system is undergoing a historic transformation. Traditional fossil-fuel-based models, while instrumental in industrial growth, have also contributed to climate change, air pollution, and energy insecurity. Clean energy—such as solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen, and energy efficiency solutions—offers a viable and scalable alternative.

Key benefits of clean energy include:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation of climate risks

• Improved air quality, leading to better public and occupational health

• Energy security and diversification, especially for emerging economies

• Job creation in sustainable and future-ready industries

Clean energy is not only about protecting the planet; it is about enabling inclusive growth and safer societies.

Clean Energy and the World of Work

From an occupational health and safety perspective, the clean energy transition brings both opportunities and responsibilities. Renewable energy projects—such as solar farms, wind turbines, and battery storage facilities—must be designed, constructed, and operated with strong HSE frameworks.

A responsible clean energy transition means:

• Integrating safety by design in renewable infrastructure

• Ensuring competency development and training for the green workforce

• Managing new and emerging risks related to energy storage, electrical systems, and maintenance at height

• Embedding sustainability into corporate governance and risk management

When safety, sustainability, and innovation move together, clean energy becomes a true driver of long-term value.

Equity and Access: Leaving No One Behind

One of the core messages of the International Day of Clean Energy is energy justice. Millions of people worldwide still lack access to reliable and affordable energy. Clean energy solutions—especially decentralized systems like rooftop solar and microgrids—can bridge this gap, supporting education, healthcare, and economic participation.

A just transition ensures that:

• Developing regions are not left behind

• Workers are reskilled rather than displaced

• Policies support affordability and accessibility alongside innovation

A Collective Responsibility

Governments, businesses, professionals, and communities all have a role to play. Policy alignment, responsible investment, technology transfer, and professional leadership are essential to accelerate the clean energy transition.

As professionals—whether in engineering, safety, sustainability, or leadership—we must advocate for solutions that are clean, safe, resilient, and ethical.

Looking Ahead

The International Day of Clean Energy is not only a day of recognition—it is a call to action. By embracing clean energy today, we invest in a future that is healthier, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come.

The transition is already underway. The question is not whether we will move to clean energy, but how responsibly and inclusively we will do so.