What are the energy transition technologies to watch in 2025?

The energy transition is built on transformational technologies. But which solutions are poised to have the greatest impact? The fifth annual edition of our New technologies outlook has expanded its assessment to 260 technologies and introduces regional scoring for the US, China and Europe alongside global rankings. The outlook evaluates technologies across six metrics: technology maturity, pace of change, carbon abatement cost, carbon offset potential, policy support and dependency.

So, which technologies are shaping the energy mix of the future? How has the leaderboard shifted since last year’s report? And which regions are leading the pack on technology development and deployment?

Fill in the form for your complimentary extract from this report – which draws on unique, interconnected insight from our Energy Transition Service – and read on for a brief introduction.

Global competition for technology supremacy is building

The report reveals a complex landscape where China, the US and Europe are competing for dominance across multiple cutting-edge technologies, with some distinct trends emerging. China currently leads in solar, wind and energy storage; supply chain dominance gives it a significant leverage in the global clean power generation race. The US and Europe lag in these areas but are stepping up support for nuclear, geothermal and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

Cumulative global investment requirements to 2050 range from US$72 trillion in a delayed transition scenario to US$117 trillion under net zero pathway. Capital expenditure requirements also vary significantly across regions. China and Europe show the lowest gaps in investments, at 44% and 43% respectively, to reach net zero from the base case. The US requires an 83% increase, as policy headwinds hold back investments.

To see an overview of regional scores for key technologies fill in the form to access the complimentary extract.

Movers and shakers on the technology leaderboard

Of the 260 technologies tracked in the 2025 new technologies outlook:

• 40% relate to energy production and transformation
• 19% to midstream infrastructure for sustainable fuels, electricity and CO₂
• 41% relate to end-use in industry, RCA (residential, commercial and agricultural) and transport.

The leaderboard has seen some notable shifts compared to last year’s report. Advanced nuclear and geothermal energy are gaining momentum as countries race for dominance in artificial intelligence and data centre infrastructure. Long-duration energy storage and grid infrastructure remain central to national decarbonisation strategies.

Others have seen mixed fortunes. Solar scores have increased, despite policy headwinds in the US. Offshore wind has slipped down the leaderboard, as the sector is plagued by project delays and cancellations, heavily impacted by policy uncertainty in the US and high costs globally. And CCUS has entered a defining period, as major industrial clusters reach final investment decisions.

The chart below shows a snapshot of gains and losses by technology theme. 

Get an interconnected view of transformative energy transition technologies

The 2025 new technologies outlook incorporates expertise and analysis from all of Wood Mackenzie’s research verticals, from power generation to transport, metals, hydrogen, CCUS and nature-based solutions. The complimentary extract includes an executive summary, featuring a chart overview of the 2025 leaderboard and more.

Fill in the form at the top of the page for your complimentary copy.