What is RE100?
RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%) is a global initiative led by the Climate Group and CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) to unite businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.
Launched in 2014, it now includes 400+ companies across 175 markets, from startups to Fortune 500 giants like Apple, Google, and Infosys.
What are the key features?
- Goal: Transition corporate energy use to 100% renewables by 2050 (or earlier).
- Scope: Covers all electricity used in operations, including offices, factories, and data centers.
- Reporting: Members must disclose annual progress publicly.
Why RE100 Matters for Businesses?
Renewable energy 100 isn’t just a sustainability badge—it’s a strategic business decision with far-reaching financial, operational, and reputational benefits.
Here’s why businesses worldwide, from startups to Fortune 500 giants, are racing to join this global initiative:
1. Cost Savings & Energy Independence
Rising Energy Costs
Electricity prices have surged globally, with businesses facing 7–15% annual hikes in grid tariffs. Renewable energy, however, offers stable, predictable costs:
- Solar and wind power costs have significantly reduced.
- Below are the links to the reports on how Apple, Infosys, and Google achieved several cost benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions, increased energy efficiency, etc.
Apple: https://shorturl.at/EKFmA
Google: https://shorturl.at/IsFtm
Infosys: https://shorturl.at/RzDp1
Energy Security
- Avoid grid failures, fuel shortages, and price volatility.
- In 2021, IKEA launched a program to promote 100% renewable energy in Poland, China, and India. In 2023, due to suitable markets, it expanded into Germany, Lithuania, Italy, etc.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
Stricter Carbon Laws
- EU Carbon Border Tax: Imposes fees on imports from high-emission industries.
- India’s Carbon Credit Scheme: Penalizes companies exceeding emission limits.
RE100 members stay ahead of regulations, avoiding fines and securing incentives like tax rebates.
Supply Chain Pressures
- Corporate Giants Demand Sustainability: Walmart, Amazon, and Unilever require suppliers to adopt renewables.
- Example: Apple mandates its 200+ suppliers to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
3. Investor & Shareholder Pressure
ESG Investing Boom
- According to Bloomberg Intelligence, global ESG (environmental, social, and governance) represents a significant portion of the total assets under management.
- Funds like BlackRock and Vanguard prioritize companies with strong sustainability credentials.
Credibility Marker
- RE100 members are more likely to attract ESG-focused investors.
- In 2021, Microsoft launched a “100/100/0 clean energy goal” in which the company pledged to power 100% of its electricity consumption, 100% of the time, with zero-carbon energy purchases by 2030, along with the prior commitment to powering 100% of its data centers and facilities globally with renewable energy by 2025.
4. Customer Demand & Brand Reputation
Eco-Conscious Consumers
- Global consumers prefer brands committed to sustainability.
- Example: Patagonia’s “Earth First” ethos boosted sales by 30% post-100% renewable energy commitment.
Competitive Differentiation
- Renewable Energy 100 members dominate “green rankings” like CDP’s A-List and Corporate Knights’ Global 100.
- Unilever credits its commitment for a 50% rise in brand loyalty.
5. Operational Resilience & Innovation
Future-Proofing Operations
- Renewables shield businesses from fossil fuel price spikes (e.g., 2022’s energy crisis).
- Tesla’s Gigafactories run on solar/wind, cutting energy costs by 60%.
Driving Innovation
- Green Hydrogen: Tata Steel uses hydrogen to decarbonize steel production.
- AI-Powered Grids: Google employs AI to optimize renewable energy use in data centers.
Top 5 Benefits of Joining RE100
Joining this initiative offers businesses a strategic advantage in today’s competitive and sustainability-driven market.
Here are the key benefits of becoming a member:
Lower Energy Costs
Switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power helps businesses reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity, leading to long-term savings on energy bills.
Government Incentives
Members can access subsidies, tax rebates, and accelerated depreciation benefits offered by governments to encourage the adoption of renewable energy.
Enhanced Brand Reputation
Commitment to 100% renewable energy strengthens a company’s image as an eco-conscious leader, attracting environmentally aware customers and partners.
Energy Security
Renewable energy systems provide a stable and reliable power supply, reducing vulnerability to grid failures or fossil fuel price fluctuations.
Investor and Stakeholder Appeal
Membership signals strong environmental stewardship, making businesses more attractive to ESG-focused investors and aligning with global sustainability standards.
Global & Indian RE100 Companies Leading the Green Revolution
Global Leaders
- Apple: Achieved 100% renewables for global operations in 2018.
- Google: Runs data centers on 5.5 GW of solar/wind energy.
- IKEA: Installed 1.7 million solar panels across stores worldwide.
Indian re100 companies
- Infosys: Targeted 60% renewable energy by 2025 with 125+ cr. of savings annually.
- Tata Motors: Partner with Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. to develop a 12MWp solar project at its Pune manufacturing unit.
Dalmia Cement: There are biomass plants in several states in India, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam.
Case Studies: How Indian RE100 Companies Saved Crores
Case 1: Infosys Solar Power Plant
- Challenge: High electricity costs for IT campuses.
- Solution: Installed 46 MW of solar panels across offices.
- Result: 49.92% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions over the BAU scenario.
Case 2: Dalmia Cement’s Biomass Shift
- Challenge: Rising coal prices and emissions.
- Solution: Replace coal with agricultural waste (biomass).
- Result: 100% renewable energy in more than 5 states.
Case 3: Tata Motors’ Wind Energy Project
- Challenge: Unreliable grid power in Tamil Nadu.
- Solution: Invested in 18 MW wind farms.
- Result: Saves ₹1.8 crore/year with zero downtime.
How to Join RE100: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Step 1: Energy Audit
- Use tools like TERI’s Energy Audit Toolkit to assess current consumption.
Step 2: Submit Commitment
- Submit a public pledge to the Climate Group via their portal.
Step 3: Transition Plan
- Set milestones: e.g., “30% solar by 2026, 100% by 2030.”
Step 4: Annual Reporting
- Disclose progress in sustainability reports or CDP disclosures.
RE100 in India: Government Support, Challenges & Future Trends
Govt. Support
- Subsidies: 40% for rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
- Policy: The National Solar Mission targets 100 GW of solar capacity for industries.
Challenges
- High Upfront Costs: A 1 MW solar plant costs ₹4–5 crore.
- Grid Integration: Limited infrastructure for renewable storage.
2025 Trends
- Bifacial Solar Panels: 20% more efficient than traditional panels.
- Green Hydrogen: Companies like Reliance are investing in hydrogen-powered factories.
Latest RE100 Reports: Key Findings for 2024 & 2025
RE100 Annual Report 2024
- A significant number of companies achieved 100% renewable energy globally.
- India is one of the top renewable energy-producing countries.
Key Stats for 2025
- Indian Members: 50+ companies, including Mahindra and Wipro.
- Sector Growth: The IT, manufacturing, and cement industries are primarily represented.