2025 Global Energy Scenarios Comparison Review

Global Energy Scenarios Comparison Review 2025

The 2025 Global Energy Scenarios Comparison Review is not just a survey of futures methods and studies  – it is a strategic lens into the unfolding realities of global energy for human development – i.e. energy additions and transitions. In a world shaped by compounding crises and rising fragmentation, scenario comparisons help leaders reveal and challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities and stress-test priorities under deep uncertainty.

This review synthesises insights from 13 leading global energy futures studies , highlighting areas of convergence, divergence, and emerging blind spots. It goes beyond comparing models and methods to expose six key insights that matter now for making energy transitions happen.

What We’re Seeing Across the 2024-2025 Scenario Landscape

• Renewable power is rising faster than expected  – but not evenly.  Pace and pathways vary significantly by region and sector.
• Demand is becoming a disruptor. AI, affordability, lifestyle shifts, and decentralisation are reshaping energy use in ways most models still underplay.
• AI and digital infrastructure are missing from most outlooks. Their impact on energy demand, grid design, and resilience will be profound – and poorly understood.
• New dependencies threaten clean energy at scale momentum. Critical mineral supply, tech access, and infrastructure constraints are the new battlegrounds of energy security.
• Institutional trust and inclusion are underexamined. Large scale systems change  will fail without legitimacy. Yet few scenarios explore the social and governance risks of a more intermittent and fragmented energy future.

This review provides an opportunity to explore big leadership questions and avoid being blindsided by relying on the ability to predict the future. How might modern energy societies better prepare for  new energy security challenges - e.g. demand shocks, climate resilience, supply chain disruptions? What if tomorrow’s advantage lies in trust – not technology? What are the Humanising Energy choices for a smart, rather than soft, energy system?