Energy

AI-powered strategic intelligence  for  leaders in Energy

From decarbonization to digital grids, energy leaders face disruption on every front. Trendtracker delivers continuous foresight that helps you anticipate risks, prioritize technologies, and align your organization for the energy transition.

Small Modular Reactor
631
%
5.5

Insights

What's happening globally?

Interest in small modular reactors is growing as countries invest in projects to support clean energy and decarbonization. Their lower cost and flexibility make them attractive for both national grids and remote locations, though regulatory hurdles and long timelines remain.

What does this mean for the industry?

SMRs are positioning nuclear as a more scalable and adaptable energy option. They can provide stable low carbon electricity, complement renewables, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. This creates opportunities for utilities and governments but also raises compliance and safety demands.

What are the key strategic actions?

Energy companies can pursue partnerships to pilot SMRs, integrate them with renewable sources, and prepare infrastructure for deployment. Building regulatory alignment and securing investment in research and local projects will be critical to achieving long term impact.

Green Hydrogen
562
%
8.8

Insights

What's happening globally?

Global investment in green hydrogen is accelerating, supported by major partnerships and large-scale infrastructure projects. Despite setbacks in some markets, companies are advancing technologies and cross-border collaborations to lower costs and expand deployment.

What does this mean for the industry?

Green hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. It offers a pathway to decarbonize heavy industry and transport, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and align with regulatory and climate targets. Competition is intensifying as utilities and governments push for early leadership.

What are the key strategic actions?

Energy players should scale pilot projects, integrate hydrogen into grids, and expand international alliances. Investment in advanced production and storage technologies, alongside clear regulatory alignment, will be essential for building long-term competitiveness.

Carbon Capture & Storage
95
%
7.6

Insights

What's happening globally?

Governments and companies are investing heavily in carbon capture and storage as a way to meet decarbonization goals. Advances in technologies such as direct air capture and bioenergy with CCS are improving efficiency, while new international projects signal growing momentum across industries.

What does this mean for the industry?

CCS is moving from experimental to strategic. Energy and industrial firms see it as vital to cutting emissions and meeting regulatory targets, while governments view it as a pathway to climate commitments. The technology is also becoming a differentiator for companies competing in carbon-conscious markets.

What are the key strategic actions?

Energy players should accelerate partnerships, invest in scalable CCS projects, and align with regulators to secure compliance and incentives. Expanding collaborations across borders and industries will be critical for reducing costs, strengthening resilience, and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.

Problems

Before Trendtracker, leaders in energy struggled with:

Uncertainty in the transition

Regulations, technologies, and ESG pressures shift faster than manual research can keep up.

Volatile supply and pricing risks

Geopolitics and climate events disrupt planning without early warning signals.

Fragmented, outdated insights

Teams rely on static reports and scattered sources, slowing alignment and decision-making.

Our solution

A solution tailored to the energy industry

Trendtracker consolidates thousands of signals into one platform, giving energy leaders a validated and scalable view of disruption. With AI-powered scanning and an analyst built for decision support, leaders gain foresight into regulatory change, technology adoption, and market risks — all in a single source of truth.
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Anticipate disruption early

Spot weak signals in regulation, supply, and technology before they escalate.

AI Analyst for strategy

Translate complex data into clear implications for investment, risk, and transition planning.sessments in minutes

One foresight layer for the enterprise

Align strategy, sustainability, and operations teams with validated intelligence.

Key benefits

AI-powered strategic intelligence for energy, from day one

Most strategists say they finally stopped drowning in reports. Imagine starting there.

01

Resilience in volatile markets

Anticipate supply shocks and price swings early, so your operations and portfolios are less exposed.
02

Technology adoption clarity

Know which technologies and markets are gaining real momentum — and which are losing steam.
03

Smarter capital allocation

Prioritize long-term investments in technologies and markets with the strongest evidence of momentum.

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Energy industry trends 2025 and beyond

The global energy sector is undergoing one of its most significant transitions in decades. Driven by climate commitments, geopolitical pressures, and rapid technological innovation, the industry faces both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From the rise of advanced nuclear technologies to the scaling of green hydrogen and the deployment of carbon capture, energy leaders must rethink their strategies to balance resilience, sustainability, and profitability.Below we highlight three key clusters shaping the energy landscape, each with emerging trends that are becoming essential for long-term growth and competitive positioning.

Next-Gen Energy Systems

The global energy system is being redefined by technologies that promise both resilience and decarbonization. As demand grows and climate goals tighten, leaders are looking beyond traditional renewables toward solutions that can deliver stable, scalable, and sustainable power. Innovations like small modular reactors, green hydrogen, and carbon capture are moving from pilots to large-scale deployment, reshaping how energy is produced, stored, and consumed.

Small modular reactors reshaping nuclear’s role in clean energy

Today’s landscape

Energy security is back at the top of the agenda, and Small Modular Reactors are drawing attention as a flexible, lower-cost alternative to large nuclear plants. Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs can be deployed faster and in more locations, offering consistent baseload power while supporting decarbonization goals. Governments in the UK, Canada, and Eastern Europe are already investing heavily, testing how SMRs can fit into future energy grids.

The road ahead

Over the next decade, SMRs could become a cornerstone of reliable low-carbon energy systems. They will likely be paired with renewables and hydrogen production, supporting grid stability as more intermittent sources come online. However, adoption will depend on navigating regulatory hurdles and ensuring public trust in nuclear technology.

PESTLE: Political/Legal (P/L), Economic (Econ), Environmental (Env), Technological (Tech)

Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–15y)

Strategic action: Energy leaders should explore partnerships in pilot projects, engage early with regulators, and invest in R&D to drive down costs. Positioning now could secure an advantage in supplying stable, carbon-free energy to industries and cities.

Green hydrogen moving from promise to large-scale reality

Today’s landscape

Green hydrogen is moving from buzzword to reality. Projects are ramping up across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with governments and utilities investing in electrolysis capacity. The promise is clear: a fuel that decarbonizes heavy industry, long-haul transport, and energy storage. Costs remain high, and infrastructure gaps still hold back scale.

The road ahead

Green hydrogen is set to become a critical enabler of net-zero targets. Falling renewable energy prices, combined with scaling electrolyzer production, will bring costs down. Countries are competing to secure leadership in green hydrogen exports, creating new geopolitical dynamics in energy trade.

PESTLE: Economic (Econ), Environmental (Env), Political/Legal (P/L), Technological (Tech)

Horizon: Mid-term (5–10y)

Strategic action: Companies should pilot green hydrogen integration into industrial processes and transport, while forging cross-border partnerships for supply chains. Early movers can shape global standards and capture new market share.

Carbon capture gaining momentum as industries face net-zero pressure

Today’s landscape

Despite criticism in the past, CCS is gaining momentum as oil, gas, and industrial players seek practical ways to cut emissions. Governments from the US to Asia are offering incentives, and new technologies are reducing costs. CCS is no longer seen as a distraction, but as a complementary tool alongside renewables and efficiency improvements.

The road ahead

Expect CCS to play a bigger role in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals. Combined with bioenergy (BECCS), it could even deliver negative emissions. The key challenge will be scaling infrastructure quickly enough while balancing costs, public acceptance, and regulatory compliance.

PESTLE: Environmental (Env), Political/Legal (P/L), Economic (Econ), Technological (Tech)

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–10y)

Strategic action: Leaders should evaluate CCS as part of their net-zero strategy, partner with industrial emitters, and engage policymakers to shape favorable regulatory frameworks. Treat CCS not as a fallback, but as a competitive edge in sustainability positioning.

Rising trends
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Small Modular Reactor
960
%
5.3
Past year
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What is happening globally?
  • Governments and companies worldwide are exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet rising energy demands and decarbonization goals. This indicates a strategic pivot towards SMRs, particularly in regions with limited renewables access or high energy security concerns.
  • SMRs offer lower initial capital costs and quicker deployment than traditional nuclear plants. They are being tested in various national and regional energy strategies, notably in Europe and Canada. This could potentially transform energy landscapes by providing reliable, low-carbon power.
  • Despite challenges like high initial costs and regulatory hurdles, investment in SMRs is growing steadily, driven by advancements in technology and favorable policy environments. This trend could result in SMRs playing a significant role in the global energy mix by 2035.
  • Countries like Lithuania and Bulgaria are actively engaging in studies or preliminary agreements for deploying SMR technology, suggesting a forward-looking approach to energy diversification and stability.
  • SMRs are appealing to sectors like data centers needing stable and scalable clean energy solutions. If proven economically viable, they could support digital infrastructure expansion with minimal carbon footprint.
  • Challenges remain in integrating SMRs with existing infrastructure, including grid modernization and managing nuclear waste. Strategic partnerships and technology innovation will be essential to address these issues.

What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • Small modular reactors (SMRs) can significantly impact the Energy & Utilities industry by providing flexible, reliable, and low-emission electricity. For customers like residential households, commercial businesses, and industrial firms, SMRs offer a stable energy source that can meet fluctuating demand, particularly in areas lacking energy infrastructure. The adaptability of SMRs enables tailored solutions for different customer segments, enhancing reliability and affordability in energy supply.
  • Suppliers of raw materials and technology for SMRs could see increased demand, creating opportunities for partnerships in providing advanced reactor components and construction services. This trend may drive innovation in materials and technology, emphasizing the importance of efficient supply chains and technical expertise in delivering SMR solutions.
  • The deployment of SMRs will require collaboration with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Enhanced regulatory frameworks will be necessary to facilitate the smooth integration of SMRs into existing energy systems, requiring regulatory authorities to adapt policies supporting nuclear advancements.
  • Investors may be attracted to SMR projects due to their potential for high returns and contribution to decarbonization goals. Reliable funding will be crucial, as the industry demonstrates the viability and economic benefits of SMRs in the long term, necessitating robust financial strategies to manage capital flows.
  • The integration of SMRs into the energy mix can assist utility companies in meeting regulatory compliance by providing a stable, low-emission energy source, contributing to sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. This aligns with global energy transition goals and the need for cleaner energy solutions.
  • From an economic perspective, SMRs could stabilize energy prices by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and volatility in supply chain costs. The development of SMRs may also drive job creation, skill development, and local economic growth through infrastructure projects and operational excellence initiatives.
  • The adoption of SMRs facilitates technological advancements through the integration of nuclear power with emerging technologies like AI and hydrogen production. This can enhance grid management and energy distribution efficiency, supporting the industry's digital transformation and innovation objectives.
  • SMRs present an opportunity for market expansion, allowing energy companies to explore new markets requiring decentralized and scalable power solutions. This can enhance global energy distribution networks, helping to meet rising energy demands in diverse regions.
  • Competitors may emerge in the domain of nuclear and renewable energy technologies, prompting the industry to focus on innovation and strategic investments to maintain a competitive edge. This pressure enhances the emphasis on sustainable energy solutions and efficient energy management systems.

What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
  • Analysing the feasibility of integrating small modular reactors (SMRs) into infrastructure could diversify energy sources and enhance grid reliability under regulatory pressures, aiding in regulatory compliance and operational excellence goals.
  • Investing in SMRs may attract technological investments, reflecting sustainability trends while ensuring financial growth and competitiveness, complying with decarbonization and financial performance objectives.
  • Partnering with technology suppliers to explore SMR applications in grid management could differentiate utility services and drive innovation, aligning with digital transformation and operational excellence.
  • Engaging in stakeholder dialogues about SMRs may support public perception and community engagement, capturing market expansion opportunities while strengthening stakeholder relationships.
  • Advocating for policy support to include SMRs in national energy plans could mitigate compliance risks and economic fluctuations, enhancing risk management and resilience.
What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Green Hydrogen
476
%
7.7
Past year
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What is happening globally?
  • Green hydrogen is increasingly seen as pivotal for global decarbonization, driven by significant innovations and partnerships. There is a growing emphasis on scaling production and building infrastructure despite challenges like project suspension in certain regions. This focus is supported by strategic cross-border collaborations and technological advancements.
  • Many countries are leveraging their renewable resources, such as solar and wind, to boost green hydrogen production. This is particularly evident in regions with abundant natural resources like Namibia and Chile, indicating a global push towards leveraging geographical advantages for hydrogen production.
  • The European Union's regulatory frameworks, such as RED III, are set to drive green hydrogen production by creating demand, particularly in sectors like refining. This may encourage commercial-scale adoption and significant investments, despite short-term project cancellations or delays.
  • Strategic partnerships between nations, such as Oman and the Netherlands, reflect a trend of international collaborations aimed at advancing green hydrogen projects and fostering sustainable energy transitions. These alliances are crucial for technological exchange and investment mobilization.
  • New technologies like Alléo Energy's carbon-negative hydrogen system and Hadean Energy's energy-efficient electrolyzers highlight ongoing advancements in making green hydrogen more viable and competitive globally. These innovations could significantly reduce production costs and environmental impacts over time.
  • The momentum behind green hydrogen is also upheld by policy support and government-backed initiatives in several countries including India, which are crucial for sustained growth. Long-term impact metrics remain high due to such institutional support, despite short-term variability in actual project development.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • Green hydrogen is becoming a focal point in the transformation of the energy sector, providing a renewable and sustainable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. This trend will enable the company to expand its renewable energy offerings, thus aligning with the growing demand for clean energy from residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As interest in green hydrogen grows, the utility company's customers will benefit from more diversified and sustainable energy options, aligning with evolving customer expectations for clean and reliable energy.
  • The development and deployment of green hydrogen technology are influenced by complex regulatory environments. Stricter environmental standards and incentives for low-carbon technologies will drive the company to enhance its green hydrogen capabilities to meet compliance requirements. Regulatory frameworks pushing for decarbonization could support the adoption of green hydrogen, serving as a buffer against regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties, while advancing the company's sustainability and decarbonization goals through increased investment in this area.
  • Economic factors such as fluctuating energy prices and technology costs can impact the financial viability of green hydrogen projects in the short term. However, the long-term reduction in costs associated with green hydrogen production technology will likely lead to more competitive pricing. This will support sustainable growth through strategic investments in emerging green hydrogen technologies, enhancing financial performance and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.
  • Technological advancements in energy storage and grid modernization are crucial for the commercialization of green hydrogen. Innovations such as IoT, AI, and improved electrolysis methods will enable better integration of green hydrogen into energy systems, optimizing distribution while enhancing operational efficiency. This transformation aligns with the company's strategic objectives to drive digital transformation and improve infrastructure reliability.
  • The synergy between renewable energy production and green hydrogen offers new avenues for market expansion. By investing in international projects, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia, the company can tap into emerging markets and strengthen its global presence. This expansion also opens opportunities for partnerships and collaborative initiatives, fostering growth and innovation in renewable energy infrastructure.
  • Green hydrogen presents opportunities to advance corporate responsibility and ethical practices. By reducing the carbon footprint and engaging in projects that promote environmental stewardship, the company can reinforce its commitment to sustainability. This trend encourages proactive stakeholder engagement, building positive relations with regulators, environmental groups, and local communities, which are essential for long-term project success.
  • Strategically, the implementation of green hydrogen will require workforce development initiatives to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting these new technologies. Investing in employee training for handling advanced technologies and hydrogen systems will enhance operational excellence and adaptability, positioning the company to effectively manage future energy needs and market transitions.
  • The company can leverage green hydrogen to enhance resilience against market and environmental changes by diversifying energy sources. This would reduce the risks associated with fossil fuel volatility and regulatory shifts, solidifying the company's position as a leader in the clean energy space and ensuring continued delivery of high-quality service amid market dynamics.

What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
  • Bolster strategic partnerships in green hydrogen to leverage emerging technologies, ensuring regulatory alignment and decarbonization. Collaboration could reduce operational risk, enhance market expansion, and improve stakeholder engagement while ensuring compliance and sustainability.
  • Invest in renewable hydrogen initiatives, targeting increased infrastructure to support future energy demand. This strategic move bridges technology and sustainability objectives, promoting market growth and enhancing resilience against economic fluctuations.
  • Utilize innovation in green hydrogen production methods, optimizing energy efficiency and aligning with decarbonization goals. This approach supports financial performance and operational excellence, strengthening competitive advantage while managing environmental and economic challenges.
  • Expand into international markets through comprehensive green hydrogen projects, promoting customer centricity with sustainable and reliable energy services, while adhering to diverse regulatory demands globally.
  • Enhance workforce development programs focused on hydrogen technologies to build a skilled team, driving innovation and operational excellence. This initiative promotes corporate responsibility while supporting decarbonization goals and complying with regulatory requirements.

What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Carbon Capture & Storage
150
%
7.5
Past year
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What is happening globally?
  • Global investment and development in carbon capture and storage (CCS) are accelerating, highlighted by diverse projects across Europe, the US, and Asia. This rapid growth supports decarbonizing energy-intensive industries, aligning with goals for reducing emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
  • Governments worldwide are incentivizing CCS development to balance industrial growth with climate responsibilities. This includes significant financial support and policy frameworks, particularly in regions heavily dependent on fossil fuels, driving short-term momentum and fostering long-term sustainability impacts.
  • Technological advancements, such as DAC and novel CCS methods, are making carbon capture more cost-effective, thus facilitating widespread industrial adoption. This evolution addresses both immediate economic considerations and the long-term environmental impact of reducing carbon footprints.
  • CCS is increasingly integrated with renewable energy systems, enhancing energy security and reliability. This integration optimizes energy use and mitigates emissions, contributing to the strategic modernization of infrastructure crucial for the energy transition and reinforcing resilience in utility sectors.
  • Despite its promise, CCS faces challenges in scaling, particularly relating to technical deployment and economic viability in emerging markets. Achieving its full potential requires ongoing innovation and policy support to overcome barriers to implementation in global energy sectors.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

What is the impact of this on our industry?
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies offer the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from current energy production methods, enhancing the sustainability initiatives of energy utilities. For customers relying on a mix of electricity, natural gas, and renewable sources, CCS can ensure that traditional energy sources like natural gas remain viable, reducing the immediate need for a full transition to renewables and enabling more reliable energy supply amidst the transition.
  • CCS advancements can influence energy utilities by offering cost-effective pathways to decarbonize energy production, thereby aligning with regulatory compliance mandates. This can potentially reduce costly regulatory penalties associated with carbon emissions, while allowing continued use of existing infrastructure such as natural gas plants.
  • The economic impacts of CCS could be significant, as initial costs may be high, but declining over time as technology matures and scales. Economic growth and energy demand will drive the adoption of such technologies, impacting the pricing strategies and investment decisions within the energy utilities sector.
  • Technological advancements in CCS can catalyze innovation in energy utilities, promoting greater integration with smart grid technologies and IoT systems to optimize capture and storage processes. Collaboration with technology partners will be crucial to adopt these innovative solutions effectively.
  • Market competition will drive energy utilities to adopt CCS to enhance their sustainability credentials, providing them with a competitive edge over companies still reliant on conventional energy production methods. As competitors adopt CCS, utilities will also need to diversify their offerings to include cleaner energy options.
  • Customer expectations for sustainable energy practices and lower carbon footprints can drive utilities to invest in CCS technologies, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation by aligning with consumer values and demands for clean energy alternatives.
  • CCS supports environmental and sustainability goals by providing an avenue to reduce atmospheric carbon levels while stabilizing energy costs associated with emissions reductions. This aligns with national and international climate objectives, supporting long-term resilience against climate impacts.
  • Globally, CCS can be pivotal for utilities expanding into regions with stringent regulatory environments, as it reinforces compliance with diverse emission standards. This can facilitate smoother entry into new markets, aligning with globalization strategies.
  • Political support for CCS is critical, as policies that foster CCS investments can ensure energy security and equity, thus supporting the political dimensions of the energy transition by addressing public concerns about climate change and job impacts.
  • Despite its advantages, CCS faces social acceptance hurdles owing to concerns over cost, safety, and efficacy. However, as awareness and understanding of CCS benefits grow, energy utilities can address these concerns through transparent stakeholder engagement and effective communication strategies.
What are the opportunities for this?

What are the risks related to this?

What are the key strategic actions we could take based on this?
  • Leverage partnerships with carbon capture technology companies to enhance carbon storage capabilities at current facilities. This approach aligns with the company’s decarbonization goals, addressing regulatory compliance mandates and economic factors by improving carbon capture economics.
  • Invest in carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) innovation to remain competitive, tapping into subsidies or incentives offered by governments. Such investments will drive cost-effective carbon mitigation strategies while fostering regulatory compliance and aligning with sustainability objectives.
  • Implement pilot projects focused on bioenergy carbon capture, potentially extending revenue sources through green energy tax credits while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This strategic shift satisfies both customer expectations for cleaner energy and regulatory requirements for emission reductions.
  • Develop partnerships with technology firms to integrate advanced digital control systems for monitoring carbon capture processes. This will enhance operational excellence, improve risk management capabilities, and foster ongoing innovation, promoting a data-driven approach to ensure compliance and efficiency.
  • Explore international markets for expanding carbon capture technology deployment, leveraging globalization trends to increase market reach and secure partnerships. This expansion also supports the company's market growth strategy and diversifies risk across different regulatory environments.
  • Collaborate with governmental and environmental bodies to stay ahead of regulation changes and foster favorable policy developments. Such collaboration ensures sustainable financial performance through strategic compliance and supports corporate responsibility goals.
  • Adapt business strategies to incorporate advancements in nuclear-integrated carbon capture systems, facilitated by policy shifts towards cleaner nuclear energy. This will align long-term sustainable energy goals with decarbonization efforts, ensuring operational resilience and adaptability to future energy landscapes.
  • Diversify energy asset portfolio by integrating further renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, with CCUS technologies. This strengthens sustainability and decarbonization objectives while meeting customer demand for reliable, low-emission energy.
  • Engage in continuous stakeholder dialogue to increase understanding of carbon capture benefits, cementing support for infrastructure investments and aligning with corporate responsibility benchmarks.
  • Please exercise caution when utilizing these strategic actions and always refer to the underlying references for comprehensive understanding and accurate decision-making. These are hypothetical suggested strategic actions and are meant as inspiration, and not to be taken literally.

What are the potential scenarios?

What's the outcome of a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

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What’s hidden could shape your strategy.

Digital & Intelligent Energy Infrastructure

The energy sector is not just about generation but about intelligence. With more distributed assets coming online, from solar rooftops to EV charging networks, the grid is becoming increasingly complex. To manage this, utilities and energy companies are turning to AI, real-time monitoring, and predictive systems that make infrastructure smarter, more resilient, and more efficient. These technologies are redefining how energy is balanced, delivered, and consumed.

AI-driven predictive maintenance reshaping asset reliability

Today’s landscape

Aging infrastructure and new renewable assets are stretching utilities thin. Predictive maintenance, powered by sensors and AI, is being deployed to anticipate failures before they happen. It reduces downtime, cuts costs, and improves safety — a major advantage as grids integrate more intermittent sources like wind and solar.

The road ahead

Predictive maintenance will become standard across utilities and energy-intensive industries. As data models improve, they will not only anticipate equipment failures but also optimize performance and extend asset life cycles. This shift could significantly reduce the cost of the energy transition.

PESTLE: Technological (Tech), Economic (Econ), Environmental (Env)

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5 years)

Strategic action: Energy companies should scale predictive analytics pilots into enterprise-wide systems, building strong data infrastructures and training workforces to act on AI-driven insights.

Real-time monitoring as the backbone of grid stabilit

Today’s landscape

Grid operators are facing new challenges as distributed energy resources multiply. Real-time monitoring technologies allow them to track fluctuations in supply and demand, prevent outages, and ensure reliability. Increasingly, this is being extended to consumers, giving households and businesses visibility into their energy use.

The road ahead

As electrification accelerates, real-time monitoring will underpin the future of demand-side management. From EV charging to industrial load balancing, it will help smooth peaks and avoid costly grid expansions. It also creates new opportunities for customer engagement and services.

PESTLE: Technological (Tech), Environmental (Env), Social (S)

Horizon: Near-term (0–3y)

Strategic action: Utilities should invest in digital twins and IoT-enabled infrastructure, ensuring transparency and resilience while unlocking new customer-facing services.

Smart grids enabling two-way energy flows and new markets

Today’s landscape

Traditional grids were not designed for two-way flows of energy. Smart grids are emerging to fill this gap, integrating renewables, storage, and digital controls. They enable decentralized generation and make grids more adaptable to climate and demand pressures. Early projects in Europe and Asia are already showing measurable efficiency gains.

The road ahead

Smart grids will be essential for scaling renewable integration. They will also underpin new energy markets where consumers become producers, selling surplus power back to the grid. Regulatory clarity and investment in infrastructure will determine how quickly this shift materializes.

PESTLE: Technological (Tech), Political/Legal (P/L), Economic (Econ), Environmental (Env)

Horizon: Near-term (0–3 years)

Strategic action: Energy leaders should push for partnerships with regulators, tech firms, and municipalities to accelerate smart grid rollouts, ensuring equitable access and securing early leadership in future energy markets.

Rising trends
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Cyber Insurance
1400
%
4.8
Past year
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What is happening globally?
  • The rise in natural disasters is pushing global insurance premiums, especially for catastrophe coverage, to new heights. Insurers are increasingly adopting AI and data analytics to enhance predictive accuracy and financial resilience against these events, thereby improving customer experiences.
  • Insurers are turning to parametric insurance to address the expanding coverage gap, particularly for unpredictable events like tsunamis. This development may improve financial security for policyholders by offering more tailored and prompt payouts.
  • The cost of insuring against natural disasters continues to surge, with insurance carriers using advanced modeling tools, such as catastrophe bonds, to hedge risks. This trend underscores the industry's ongoing effort to maintain stability amid increasing disasters.
  • Collaboration between the public and private sectors is becoming essential to address the growing protection gap in disaster insurance. Initiatives like risk pooling and parametric solutions aim to enhance resilience against catastrophic losses.
  • The frequency and impact of natural disasters have intensified, necessitating innovative approaches to risk management. AI-powered tools are revolutionizing claims processing, enabling insurers to handle claims more efficiently and satisfy customer expectations.
  • Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support more sustainable insurance solutions as traditional methods become financially untenable. Governments and insurers are taking steps to address climate-related risks, ensuring long-term viability for both businesses and policyholders.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

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Sustainable & Circular Energy Practices

Energy transition isn’t just about producing cleaner power — it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of energy systems. From capturing carbon emissions to reusing critical materials, sustainability and circularity are moving to the forefront. Governments, investors, and consumers are demanding that the energy sector not only deliver on decarbonization but also prove long-term resilience and responsibility across supply chains.

Carbon capture scaling as a lifeline for heavy industry

Today’s landscape

CCS is gaining momentum as industries and governments look for solutions to meet climate goals while maintaining energy reliability. Oil and gas companies, in particular, are investing heavily, positioning CCS as a tool for both decarbonization and industry survival.

The road ahead

As costs decline and technologies mature, CCS will expand beyond pilot projects to large-scale deployment. It will likely be combined with bioenergy (BECCS) or hydrogen production, strengthening its role in achieving net-zero targets.

PESTLE: Environmental (Env), Political/Legal (P/L), Economic (Econ), Technological (Tech)

Horizon: Mid-term (5–10y)

Strategic action: Energy leaders should integrate CCS into long-term portfolios, pursuing partnerships and financing mechanisms that spread risk while meeting regulatory and investor pressures.

Circular energy materials tackling resource shortages and waste

Today’s landscape

Wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries are booming — but so is the waste problem. Rare earths, lithium, and other critical materials are in short supply, and recycling technologies are struggling to keep pace. Circular practices are emerging to address these bottlenecks.

The road ahead

Circular energy materials will be a defining feature of the next phase of the transition. Companies that successfully close the loop on battery recycling or turbine blade reuse will gain cost advantages and secure supply resilience in a highly competitive market.

PESTLE: Environmental (Env), Economic (Econ), Technological (Tech)

Horizon: Mid- to long-term (5–15y)

Strategic action: Build recycling and materials recovery into core business strategies, while forging alliances with governments and manufacturers to scale industrial solutions.

Sustainable finance reshaping capital flows in energy

Today’s landscape

Banks and investors are redirecting capital toward sustainable projects, with green bonds and ESG-linked financing reshaping energy investment flows. Access to funding is increasingly tied to environmental performance and transparency.

The road ahead

Sustainable finance will become a competitive differentiator. Companies that cannot prove credible sustainability strategies risk losing access to capital, while those that align with ESG frameworks will attract stronger partnerships and long-term investors.

PESTLE: Economic (Econ), Political/Legal (P/L), Social (S)

Horizon: Near- to mid-term (0–5 years)

Strategic action: Integrate ESG goals into strategic roadmaps, ensuring transparency in reporting and leveraging sustainability as a value driver for attracting capital and partners.

Rising trends
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Geopolictics
1400
%
4.8
Past year
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What is happening globally?
  • The rise in natural disasters is pushing global insurance premiums, especially for catastrophe coverage, to new heights. Insurers are increasingly adopting AI and data analytics to enhance predictive accuracy and financial resilience against these events, thereby improving customer experiences.
  • Insurers are turning to parametric insurance to address the expanding coverage gap, particularly for unpredictable events like tsunamis. This development may improve financial security for policyholders by offering more tailored and prompt payouts.
  • The cost of insuring against natural disasters continues to surge, with insurance carriers using advanced modeling tools, such as catastrophe bonds, to hedge risks. This trend underscores the industry's ongoing effort to maintain stability amid increasing disasters.
  • Collaboration between the public and private sectors is becoming essential to address the growing protection gap in disaster insurance. Initiatives like risk pooling and parametric solutions aim to enhance resilience against catastrophic losses.
  • The frequency and impact of natural disasters have intensified, necessitating innovative approaches to risk management. AI-powered tools are revolutionizing claims processing, enabling insurers to handle claims more efficiently and satisfy customer expectations.
  • Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support more sustainable insurance solutions as traditional methods become financially untenable. Governments and insurers are taking steps to address climate-related risks, ensuring long-term viability for both businesses and policyholders.
What is happening in the industry?

What are some emerging use cases of this trend?

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