Energy is a fundamental driver of development across all sectors of life. However, the growing global demand for energy, driven by increasing population and industrialization, has resulted in serious environmental challenges. Fossil fuels—oil, coal, and natural gas—while dominant, contribute significantly to pollution and climate change. This has led international organizations to advocate for the transition toward renewable energy to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations. The critical question explored in this paper is whether it is feasible to achieve sustainable development while still relying on pollutant-based fossil fuels. This paper investigates the relationship between renewable energy investments and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the global commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2015–2030. The paper employs a comparative analytical approach to evaluate selected global models, drawing on experiences from countries that have successfully experiences in adopting renewable energy strategies.