CSO Leaders Club

Green power: are Europeans leading the world or falling behind?

For the past decade, Europe (including both the EU and Britain) has led the way with a huge industrial bet on cutting carbon emissions and accelerating the green-energy transition. From the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal to the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, Europeans have built one of the world’s most sophisticated regulatory systems.

But at the midpoint of 2026, the data show mixed results. The cost of European industrial electricity is averaging $92/MWh, while in America, a pivot to energy dominance and deregulation has led to a lowering of prices to $38/MWh, according to the International Energy Agency. European industry is thus paying a 140% premium for industrial electricity.Although Europe leads in regulatory standards, the region ranks slightly behind America and well behind China for scale when it comes to green technology.

This session examines the pros and cons of Europe’s model of obliging industry to adopt globally high standards around forcing sustainability. As an added complication, the US hyperscalers’ demand for clean power for AI is yet another factor pushing up energy costs. Is there a risk that Europe could lose out in the global industrial race by making energy simply too expensive?

Why attend?
Join senior sustainability leaders at The Economist Group head office during London Climate Action Week for an evening of insight, discussion and high-level networking. Featuring The World Ahead in sustainability from The Economist, a keynote guest speaker and a networking reception on the roof terrace, this exclusive CSO Leaders Club event offers the opportunity to exchange perspectives on the trends, risks and opportunities shaping the sustainability agenda ahead.