As part of our Energy Gamechanger 2025 series, we spotlight individuals driving measurable impact across the global energy landscape. This edition features Nick Hedley, Editor of The Progress Playbook, whose work focuses on using data and transparency to “shut down excuses” and accelerate climate action.
Through his journalism, Nick highlights the policies, innovations, and success stories that prove a sustainable economy is not only possible but already underway. From hosting global events that bring together the world’s energy leaders to uncovering the data behind real progress, his work bridges the gap between evidence and inspiration — showing what can happen when ambition meets accountability.
The Progress Playbook focuses on using data to “shut down excuses.” Why do you believe transparency and measurable progress are so powerful in driving change?
There’s a widespread misconception that shifting to a sustainable economy — and clean energy system — is not possible, and that we must therefore accept that we’re headed for a full-blown climate catastrophe. However, many ambitious countries, cities, and organisations are proving that decarbonisation is possible, and that it delivers numerous other benefits at the same time — like lower-cost energy and a more secure energy system. We use hard data to shut down excuses and encourage everyone to follow the leaders.
You’ve hosted events like Policies for the Planet that bring global leaders together. What insights or breakthroughs came from those conversations?
At our events, we’ve heard from the policymakers who turned their countries and cities into frontrunners of the global energy transition. What’s clear is that these people are very keen to share their best practices with the world, and they rightly believe that they have a good story to tell. There’s also been huge interest and strong engagement from the audience, who have a better idea of what’s possible if their own leaders show the same level of ambition. We think there should be global UN-style conferences that allow world leaders to share best practices. There’s a lot to learn from the leaders in climate action and sustainable development, and the world would be a better place if we made a real effort to do so.
Your journalism spotlights countries leading the transition. Which story or example has most influenced how you think about progress?
I’ve been most inspired by Uruguay’s transition to clean electricity. It’s a little-known story but inspiring in that the country matched ambition with action. Uruguay used to rely heavily on oil & gas-based power, but in the early 2010s, the president appointed a particle physicist to chart a new way forward for the energy system. He identified wind power as an untapped resource that could help Uruguay slash its fossil fuel imports, become more energy independent, and lower its electricity costs. Now, the country runs on almost 100% renewable electricity, with wind being a major component of the mix. While a small country, Uruguay has demonstrated what’s possible.
How can better storytelling and evidence-based communication work together to inspire collective action?
Storytelling, combined with hard data, is the most effective way to inspire collective action. Narratives are important for establishing an emotional connection and for making complex topics relatable and understandable, while data is needed to ground these stories in reality and prove what’s possible.
If you could challenge one misconception about clean energy, what would it be?
That it’s unreliable. There’s now a huge amount of evidence from around the world that clean energy enhances energy security by minimising the risk of supply chain disruptions and price volatility — an ever-present risk in the fossil fuel economy — and bolstering electricity grids. Studies show that infrastructure failures and fossil fuel-related challenges have been the leading causes of blackouts over the past two decades, and clean energy has made grids more reliable, not less. Notably, Germany’s electricity grid has become more reliable over the years – even as the share of renewables has climbed. Power supply disruptions in the country averaged just 11.7 minutes in 2024, compared to 12.8 minutes the year before, and 21.5 minutes in 2006. This is despite renewables rising from 12% of the electricity generation mix in 2006 to 54% in 2023 and 58% in 2024. A similar trend is evident in places like California and Texas.
As an Energy Gamechanger for 2025, Nick Hedley exemplifies what it means to combine insight with impact. His work through The Progress Playbook challenges misconceptions, empowers leaders to act boldly, and demonstrates how data-driven storytelling can inspire real change.
At CHARGE, we recognize innovators like Nick who not only shape the energy conversation but also redefine what progress looks like — transparent, inclusive, and grounded in measurable results. His message is clear: when we confront excuses with evidence, the path to a cleaner, more resilient energy future becomes undeniable.