Energy Profile - World

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Energy is a key commodity that enables socioeconomic development.  To date, 80% of global energy still comes from fossil fuels, but climate change and, more recently, energy security concerns are accelerating the shift toward renewables.  In this context, China, U.S., India, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of growth proj., while Latam, Africa, and SE Asia offer potential.  Despite uneven polices,  incentives for energy storage & hybrid solutions are gaining momentum worldwide [RP, 2026].

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Energy transition basis

  

There has been much discussion about roadmaps for the energy transition.  Two aspects, however, must be considered: the new (sustainable) energy model should ensure energy security and remain affordable.  One major difference btw fossil power & renewables is that solar & wind are intermittent, requiring a form of energy storage.  Also, unlike fossil fuel, renewables (REN) are CAPEX-driven (but have low OPEX).  Additionally, many non-conventional renewable techs rely on critical minerals.

  

Renewables outsprint fossils

 

Total demand for fossil fuels is projected to peak by 2030 in all scenarios.  Coal is already in decline (since 2022) and oil is expected to fall after 2030.  Total natural gas demand is projected to rise to 2040, driven by its role in balancing renewables until large-scale battery deployment [MCK, 2023].  Figure 2 depicts the net change in primary energy supply by source, showing the replacement of fossil by REN (solar, wind, and bioenergy) from the mid-2020s.

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World & Brazil energy profiles

  

A brief description of the main energy sources and the energy profile of countries around the word can be found here.  For Brazil's energy profile, the giant of renewables, please click here.