Balancing the scales of renewable energy 100 %: Addressing disparities in sectoral electricity consumption

The RE100 initiative, which aims to transition companies to 100 % renewable energy, faces significant challenges due to its limited impact and the risk of exacerbating a Renewable Energy Divide across industries and regions. This study investigates the factors contributing to this divide and proposes strategies to mitigate these disparities. Through quantitative analysis, case studies, and scenario modeling, the research introduces the concept of Adjusted Renewable Energy as a more equitable metric for evaluating corporate renewable energy achievements. The findings suggest that current evaluation methods may disadvantage certain industries, particularly manufacturing-based firms in Asia, due to high costs and limited procurement options. By addressing these inequalities, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the RE100 initiative, promote fair competition, and accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. The proposed framework has the potential to increase corporate participation, stimulate renewable energy investments, and contribute to sustainable development across diverse industrial sectors. This study not only highlights the challenges of achieving RE100 across different industries but also provides actionable solutions, making a significant contribution to the discourse on sustainable energy transitions.