Global Energy Scenarios 2025: The next energy era

The global energy system is witnessing the next greatest transition, standing on the cusp of a new energy era championed by clean electricity and the increased adoption of electrification across the board. Rystad Energy is pleased to announce the release of its flagship annual report, Global Energy Scenarios (GES) 2025, which provides in-depth degree scenarios toward 2100 and a newly developed nationally determined contribution (NDC) scenario to 2035. Clean electricity and electrification are expanding faster than any shift in modern history, with energy sources of the next era growing from around 9% in 2015 to more than 14% this year as share of primary energy.  

While nations grapple with the dual challenge of addressing climate change and strengthening energy security, renewables are expanding faster than any previous energy technology, with total wind and solar capacity additions for 2024–2025 set to exceed 700 gigawatts (GW). Because of this, our research indicates that a 1.9-degree Celsius trajectory – referring to an average global temperature rise above pre-industrial levels – is more likely toward 2040, as a hybrid energy ecosystem is now in place.

As these scenarios play out, the transformation of the global energy system requires three clear steps:

Task 1: Clean up and grow the power sector

Cleaning up and expanding the power sector plays a dominant role in reducing emissions through 2050. Our analysis indicates that achieving a global warming scenario more ambitious than 1.9 degrees Celsius will require at least 90% of the identified opportunities for a reduction in emissions to be realized.

Task 2: Electrify almost everything

Electrification becomes particularly impactful in pathways that limit warming at or below 1.6 degrees. The greatest contribution comes from the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), alongside widespread energy efficiency improvements across buildings, industry and transport.

Task 3: Address residual emissions

Addressing residual fossil fuel use through CO₂ capture or substitution with low-carbon fuels contributes little to a net reduction in emissions before mid-century in pathways exceeding the 2.2-degree scenario. This limited impact reflects its later-stage deployment and higher costs.

Download your copy of Global Energy Scenarios 2025.

Already today, we’re seeing the energy system shift to a hybrid model of renewable and fossil energy. With half of global power generation capacity now renewable and one in four new cars sold being electric, the energy system is transforming rapidly. There are already clear signs of change across investments, new capacity additions, and technological adoption curves that indicate we will witness a genuine transition over the next two to four decades.

Although the transition to renewable energy is gaining momentum, oil and gas are expected to remain resilient in the near term. Oil demand is projected to peak by the early 2030s, and gas growth will likely slow down towards the end of this decade; however, neither fuel experiences a sharp contraction. The energy transition is fast enough to alter the growth profile of fossil fuels, but not fast enough to deeply disrupt their dominance by 2040. Oil and gas remain the backbone of the system, tied to transport, petrochemicals and energy services, where alternatives are not yet cost-competitive or scalable. This transition will have significant implications for costs and investments, as fossil fuel growth slows down and they are outpaced by renewables, ultimately leading to lower costs for consumers over time.

Looking ahead, we can clearly outline five pathways that will shape the global energy outlook, which include the Rystad Energy NDC, 1.6 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees Celsius, and the Rystad Energy House View scenarios. Global CO₂ emissions are expected to peak around 2026 before starting a gradual decline, driven by rapid renewable deployment in power and EV adoption in transport. This marks a turning point, showing that the world is moving from growth to decline in emissions. However, current NDCs remain far from sufficient to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. Even if fully implemented, they would not achieve the substantial reductions necessary for achieving the lower range of the Paris Agreement.

Our prediction of a 1.9-degree Celsius scenario is heavily predicated on renewable energy installations setting all-time high records and serving as the backbone of new power growth, with solar leading the pack. Solar is forecast to rise from 1,868 GW in 2024 to 2,412 GW in 2025 – a 544 GW increase that cements its position as the leader of new global power generation. Record manufacturing output, sustained cost declines, and accelerating deployment in China, India and the US drive the expansion.

Fueling this exponential growth in renewable energy development is a global increase in low-carbon investments. Currently, low-carbon technologies attract over $900 billion annually, compared to $735 billion for oil and gas. This $181 billion delta widens to an estimated $391 billion by 2030, reflecting a complete shift in growth dynamics. The installed base changes slowly, but investment is a leading indicator: today's capital flows determine the 2040 energy system. By 2030, low-carbon sources are set to capture 46% of all energy investment, compared to 30% for fossil fuels, with grids accounting for 24%.

Learn more with Rystad Energy’s macro solution.

Contacts

Jon Ødegård Hansen
Senior Vice President and Head of Energy Scenario Research
Phone: +47 24 00 42 00
Jon.Hansen@rystadenergy.com

Lars Nitter Havro
Head of Energy Macro
Phone: +47 24 00 42 00
lars.nitter.havro@rystadenergy.com

Katie Keenan
Media Relations Manager 
Phone: +1 713-301-9300
katie.keenan@rystadenergy.com

About Rystad Energy

Rystad Energy is a leading global independent research and energy intelligence company dedicated to helping clients navigate the future of energy. By providing high-quality data and thought leadership, our international team empowers businesses, governments and organizations to make well-informed decisions.

Our extensive portfolio of products and solutions covers all aspects of global energy fundamentals, spanning every corner of the oil and gas industry, renewables, clean technologies, supply chain and power markets. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with an expansive global network, our data, analysis, advisory and education services provide clients a competitive edge in the market. 

For more information, visit www.rystadenergy.com.