Leading with purpose to make net zero both a climate and social success

At E.ON’s recent Sustainability Summit in Malmö, leaders from across Europe came together to explore a vital question: how can the energy transition be both green and fair? 

I had the privilege of keynoting this summit and engaging with E.ON teams from across the continent. What stood out was the collective belief that climate action must be inclusive, designed not only to reach net zero – but to lift communities along the way.  

The clean energy transition is not just about technology; it’s about people. We must ensure no community is left behind as we advance toward a sustainable future.  

My own journey from a council estate in Rotherham to the Cabinet table reminds me daily that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. The green economy offers a once-in-a-generation chance to change that, creating thousands of jobs and new paths for people from all backgrounds. 

Throughout the summit, we discussed ways to make this vision a reality: balancing affordability with innovation, designing energy systems that are user-friendly and equitable and investing in skills and infrastructure that support long-term transformation. We explored solutions like social tariffs, community-owned renewables, and digital inclusion initiatives each grounded in the idea that sustainability and social mobility are deeply linked. 

The most powerful insight? When people see real benefits, warmer homes, fairer bills, better jobs, they become active supporters of change. That’s why inclusion isn’t a ‘nice to have’ it’s a catalyst for faster, broader climate progress. 

E.ON is already showing leadership. From investing in green skills to piloting innovative tariffs and building local partnerships. This cross-border collaboration was inspiring proof that a fair energy transition is both possible and already underway. 

Ultimately, achieving net zero is not just an engineering challenge; it’s a societal one. We need long-term, joined-up thinking and business must play a central role. By leading with purpose, we can make the energy transition not only a climate success, but a social one too.