In 2024, RGI advanced its mission to deliver a Nature- and People-Positive energy transition, bringing together grid operators, NGOs, policymakers, and communities to create solutions that serve climate, biodiversity, and society. From pioneering circularity in grid infrastructure to protecting birds and restoring marine ecosystems, our work spanned Europe and beyond. The 2024 Annual Report showcases how collaboration, innovation, and advocacy are shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) is proud to present its 2024 Annual Report, capturing a year of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy for a Nature- and People-Positive energy transition. In a year marked by climate urgency, biodiversity loss, and shifting political priorities, RGI's work spanned continents, sectors, and communities to ensure that electricity grids and renewable energy expansion go hand-in-hand with environmental protection and societal benefits.
From Europe's coastlines to the global stage, RGI continued to bring together transmission system operators, NGOs, policymakers, and local communities to deliver practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the energy transition. Our activities in 2024 focused on three key dimensions:
Grids & Energy Systems - We deepened technical expertise on decarbonised systems, accelerating the transition through resource optimisation, climate-proofing infrastructure, and embedding stakeholder engagement into every stage of development. Highlights included advancing the Paris Agreement Compatible Scenario, launching the Wired for Circularity' workstream, and contributing to EU-wide climate adaptation frameworks for the electricity grid.
Energy & Nature - On land and at sea, RGI advanced solutions that unite renewable energy expansion with biodiversity protection. Our Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) Working Group grew to 38 organisations, producing a best practice report on biodiversity-positive management, while bird protection efforts culminated in the first 'Wingspan conference' and the launch of the SafeLines4Birds scientific database. Offshore, through the OCEaN coalition, we expanded to new regions, influenced policy, and showcased how offshore wind can coexist with thriving marine ecosystems.
Energy & Society - We championed policies to keep grids at the heart of the EU's climate agenda, celebrated innovation through the RGI Grid Awards, trained civil society through our 'Connecting Energies' series, and amplified our message through impactful campaigns including #GridsEmpower and #SunWindWires, reaching hundreds of thousands online.
2024 also marked the consolidation of the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids, and Renewables (GINGR), launched with IUCN, which is now setting the groundwork for a toolkit on Nature- and People-Positive energy infrastructure to be presented at COP30.
RGI CEO Antonella Battaglini notes in her foreword, "The solutions exist. It is about people, communities, communication, and shaping the future, not preserving a past that cannot return. Only by working together can we realise a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy system."
The full report offers detailed insights into these achievements, showcasing how collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose can accelerate a fair and sustainable energy transition.
