Sustainability frontrunners 2025 TABLE 10 Source: World Economic Forum. Looking ahead: preserving sustainability amid supply chain strains As trade tensions intensify, sustainability progress faces new headwinds. The tariffs imposed by the US on imports from China are affecting clean energy technologies – and subsequent retaliatory measures – and fracturing global clean technology supply chains. This may raise costs and delay access to critical technologies in markets affected by trade barriers. To sustain momentum in this new context, countries can focus on: –Doubling down on energy efficiency through industrial process upgrades, vehicle standards and targeted building retrofits –Accelerating clean electrification, grid integration and energy storage to absorb rising renewable supply –Scaling new technology solutions for hard- to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and transport, including hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and next-generation nuclear energy –Localizing and diversifying clean energy value chains to reduce import dependence while still harnessing trade strategically to manage costs –Integrating decarbonization with industrial resilience and economic competitiveness – building systems that are clean, competitive and geopolitically agile Those who integrate decarbonization with industrial resilience – building systems that are clean, competitive and geopolitically agile – will lead. Category Country Performance Key takeaway Dimension top scorer Albania78.8; +3.8% y-o-yAlbania led in sustainability, with nearly 100% of its electricity generated from hydropower, resulting in one of the lowest emissions intensities globally. Its push to diversify renewables with solar and wind, combined with efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure, showcased strong commitment to clean and self-sufficient energy systems.59 Most improved Bulgaria61.0; +12.0% y-o-yBulgaria experienced a strong rise in clean energy shares and energy efficiency, backed by EU transition funds, decommissioning of coal assets and rapid growth in solar and wind capacity – all part of a national shift towards a low-carbon economy.60 Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 31