What is a global energy transition?
An energy transition disrupts the status quo. A new energy source emerges, leading to a structural and permanent change in supply, demand, energy mix and prices.
At stake are the fortunes of energy and infrastructure companies, end-use customers, financial and service companies, supply chain participants and technology providers.
All will face both threats and opportunities.
The energy transition in numbers
Explore the drivers and barriers of the energy transition in this interactive infographic
What's the timeframe for transitioning to an age of power and renewables?
With the current global energy transition well under way, two primary technology drivers have emerged: renewables and the use of electric-based technologies in transportation. In this recent report, we outline how those two drivers will lead to sustainable technologies — such as autonomous driving and the wider application of advanced grid-edge and machine learning applications — effectively becoming the norm by 2035, less than 20 years away.
By 2035, close to 20% of global power needs will be met by solar or wind. Similarly, upwards of 20% of all miles travelled globally by cars, trucks, buses and bikes will use electric motors rather than gasoline or diesel.
After 2035, we expect to see adoption rates for renewable generation and electrified transport increase rapidly as they become the default choice across many energy systems around the world.
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2035
The sustainability tipping point
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20%
Percentage of global power needs met by wind or solar in 2035
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2036
When we predict oil demand to peak
Download our complimentary report
For a full analysis of the environmental, social, technological and economic factors driving the sustainability project, fill in the form to download a free copy of our 'Thinking global energy transitions: the what, if, how and when' report.