ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026

RESILIENCE, RISK, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026

RESILIENCE, RISK, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026

RESILIENCE, RISK, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Our Energy Outlook 2026 report asked 650 senior leaders from across the energy sector how they plan to meet future energy demand.

The respondents span energy companies, investors, EPC/Service providers, and energy-intensive consumers – located in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, the UK, and the U.S.

Download the full UK report
Download the full U.S. report

Or, explore the headlines below...

Our Energy Outlook 2026 report asked 650 senior leaders from across the energy sector how they plan to meet future energy demand.

The respondents span energy companies, investors, EPC/Service providers, and energy-intensive consumers – located in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, the UK, and the U.S.

Or, explore the headlines below...

Download the full UK report
Download the full U.S. report

Our Energy Outlook 2026 report asked 650 senior leaders from across the energy sector how they plan to meet future energy demand.

The respondents span energy companies, investors, EPC/Service providers, and energy-intensive consumers – located in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, the UK, and the U.S.

Or, explore the headlines below...

Download the full UK report
Download the full U.S. report

Five key findings from our global survey

Grid Connection Icon

Grid connection challenges, capacity issues, and shifting policy are delaying new energy production

Systemic grid constraints, compounded by permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty, are holding back nearly a quarter of new capacity worldwide.

Project cost escalation and delays are reshaping energy development

Project costs have jumped between 20-23% from quotation to construction, depending on the energy sub-sector, forcing more than half of all firms to renegotiate contracts.

Energy Self-generation Icon

Self-generation is emerging as a solution to long-term supply issues

Large energy users, such as industrial manufacturers, expect to self‑generate around 23% of their power within 1–3 years.

Tech Fast Route Icon

Technology is vital for demand management

When physical projects stall, companies pivot to extract more output from existing assets. Tech budgets for energy‑supply performance are expected to rise by around 15.6% in 2026.

Early regulatory and community engagement is key

Most businesses see the value in engaging with regulators early, but community engagement lags. Projects that involve communities from the outset are more likely to accelerate progress.

The findings are informed by seven insight areas

explored in our report. Explore the insights by selecting an area below:

The findings are informed by seven insight areas explored in our report.

Explore the insights by selecting an area below:

01

Production growth is constrained

Explore the full insights

02

Rising costs are stalling projects

Explore the full insights

03

Large consumers are turning to self-generation

Explore the full insights

04

Where projects go off track

Explore the full insights

05

Businesses deploy smart mitigation strategies

Explore the full insights

06

Project costs are rising fast

Explore the full insights

07

Firms are responding with tech investment

Explore the full insights

ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026 WEBINAR

Join our virtual launch webinar on Thursday 12 February.

Register here

ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026

RESILIENCE, RISK, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Download the full UK report
Download the full U.S. report

ENERGY OUTLOOK 2026

RESILIENCE, RISK, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Download the full UK report
Download the full U.S. report

Get in touch

Get in touch

Man with glasses in dark suit with a pink tie and handkerchief

Jeffrey Whittle

Global Sector Leader – Energy & Natural Resources


T: +1 346 998 7859

E: jeffrey.whittle@wbd-us.com

Man with glasses in grey suit with a blue tie

Chris Towner

UK Sector Leader – Energy & Natural Resources


T: +44 (0)117 989 6928

E: chris.towner@wbd-uk.com

Man with glasses in dark suit with a pink tie and handkerchief

Jeffrey Whittle

Global Sector Leader – Energy & Natural Resources


T: +1 346 998 7859

E: jeffrey.whittle@wbd-us.com

Man with glasses in grey suit with a blue tie

Chris Towner

UK Sector Leader – Energy & Natural Resources


T: +44 (0)117 989 6928

E: chris.towner@wbd-uk.com

Copyright © 2026. “Womble Bond Dickinson”, the “law firm” or the “firm” refers to the network of member firms of Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited, consisting of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. Each of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a separate legal entity operating as an independent law firm. Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited does not practise law. Please see www.womblebonddickinson.com/legal-notices for further details.