Global primary energy demand could reach 700EJ by 2050
World faces setbacks on energy challenges
Slower-than-expected progress on nuclear power means the world must look elsewhere for decarbonisation options
Recent developments in new energy technologies—as well as energy shortages, drastic oil and gas price increases, and widespread disruption to energy markets—suggest disheartening challenges to the clean and energy-abundant future the world had come to expect from technological advances and aggressive government climate change policies. The hope that zero-emission nuclear energy would help the world achieve its decarbonisation goals led to a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) as the most likely candidates for achieving that objective. The designs proposed by several players were touted as the future of fission energy, and a sure bet that they could soon be a bridge to an eventual fusion e
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
