Investment

Choices shaping our energy futures

Investment made today in energy infrastructure will leave its mark for decades to come, so the energy sector presents exceptional opportunities, but also challenges for investors and governments who must deliver capital at the right time and in the right place, while also considering long time horizons.

Key findings

Global energy investment, 2017-2022

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Energy investment is set to pick up by 8% in 2022 but almost half of the increase is linked to higher costs

Our updated tracking, across all sectors, technologies and regions, suggests that world energy investment is set to rise over 8% in 2022 to reach a total of USD 2.4 trillion, well above pre-Covid levels. Investment is increasing in all parts of the energy sector, but the main boost in recent years has come from the power sector – mainly in renewables and grids – and from increased spending on end-use efficiency.

Almost half of the additional USD 200 billion in capital investment in 2022 is likely to be eaten up by higher costs, rather than bringing additional energy supply capacity or savings. Costs are rising due to multiple supply chain pressures, tight markets for specialised labour and services, and the effect of higher energy prices on essential construction materials like steel and cement.

World Energy Investment 2022