This paper interrogates the driving forces behind the global shift toward renewable energy investments, such as wind and solar power, to mitigate climate change. Specifically, it examines whether this impetus is primarily driven by governmental policies or corporate strategies. Central to this inquiry are the concepts of governance and energy diplomacy. Governance is defined as an inclusive and participatory decision-making approach concerning the production, distribution, and accessibility of energy. Energy diplomacy involves the strategic use of energy resources and technologies as tools in international relations. I propose an integrated framework of these concepts that emphasizes the equitable involvement of all stakeholders, ensuring that energy policies not only address climate change but also reflect collective will and benefit the broader society. This framework encompasses how states leverage energy policies and agreements to influence global energy markets and political landscapes, often securing competitive advantages for their national industries. To address the primary question, I examine how Denmark, through government-led initiatives and agreements, promotes investments in renewable energy projects in Colombia. My analysis highlights the interplay between energy diplomacy and governance, revealing the extent to which state influence and corporate interests shape the transition to renewable energy technologies. While this shift aims to mitigate climate change, it also raises questions about the creation of new dependencies and the prioritization of certain technologies over other solutions. Through this lens, this study seeks to unravel the complexities of who truly drives the global energy transition agenda—governments or corporations—and how this influences the direction of climate change mitigation strategies.
