SP & PT versions under construction
Global Energy Outlook
"Fossil Fuels or Renewables: What Powers the World?"
​​​
In a tech-driven world, national innovation models reflect distinct engineering cultures: Germany excels at turning science into complex industrial engineering thru high-precision machinery, chemical engineering, advanced materials, and Industry 4.0; the U.S. has built its techno-scientific leadership around scalable information platforms, software, AI, and venture capital; Russia leverages strong engineering traditions in nuclear tech, aerospace, advanced physics, and energy systems; Japan bridges physical & digital realms thru precision automation, advanced electronics, cutting-edge robotics, and HW-SW integration; while China increasingly integrates digital innovation with large-scale industrial manufacturing.
​
Other countries have carved out distinctive tech niches: South Korea in semiconductors, advanced electronics, batteries, shipbuilding, and high-tech manufacturing; Taiwan in advanced chip fabrication; Switzerland in precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, and biotech; and India in software, digital services, low-cost engineering, and sophisticated industrial capabilities. These different approaches shape how nations create value, compete globally, and transform scientific knowledge into economic power.
Underlying all these models is ENERGY: reliable, affordable, and increasingly low-carbon energy is essential to sustaining industrial competitiveness, digital infrastructure, and technological progress. Yet fossil fuels still account for ~80% of global primary energy supply, with deep geopolitical implications. Energy security concerns are accelerating the transition toward renewables, storage, and flexible grids. China, the U.S., India, Australia, and Saudi Arabia lead energy capacity expansion, while LAC (Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina), Africa, and SE Asia offer huge growth opportunities. Driven by these ongoing shifts, global clean-tech investments in REN, storage, and grid are expanding [RP, 2026].
Figure 1 shows the global energy mix in 2024, while Figure 2 highlights the growth of REN by source in 2025 [IEA, 2026].
Figure 1: Global energy mix in 2024
Figure 2: Renewable energy growth by source, 2025
​​​​
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. Figure 3 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.
​
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.
Figure 3: Net change in primary energy supply by source (2010-2050)
