A new report from KPMG International reveals that investment in energy transition assets is rapidly increasing, despite ongoing geopolitical volatility and high interest rates.
The Energy Transition Investment Outlook report, which surveyed 1,400 senior executives worldwide, found that 72 per cent of investors believe investment in this sector is growing significantly and will continue to do so in the coming years.
Energy efficiency, including electrification, emerged as the most attractive investment area for the next two years (36 per cent), followed closely by renewable and low-carbon energy (34 per cent).
This aligns with the International Energy Agency’s projection that clean energy technologies and infrastructure will account for approximately $2 trillion of the $3 trillion in global energy investment anticipated this year.
When asked about the most attractive regions for energy transition investment over the next two years:
- 43 per cent selected East Asia
- 39 per cent chose North America
- 35 per cent opted for Europe
Despite the growing confidence in energy transition, concerns remain:
- 40 per cent of executives identified policy or regulatory risks as the top barrier to investment
- 36 per cent cited market volatility as the second most significant obstacle
The report highlights a strong trend towards collaboration, with 94 per cent of respondents planning to prioritise finding partners to share risks, resources, and expertise.
Investors are also mitigating risk through diverse investments:
- 75 per cent of executives surveyed are still making new investments in fossil fuels
- 64 per cent have invested in energy efficiency technologies over the past two years
- 56 per cent have invested in renewable and low-carbon energy
- 54 per cent have invested in energy storage and grid infrastructure
- 51 per cent have invested in transportation and related infrastructure
Mike Hayes, Decarbonisation and Nature Leader as well as Global Head of Renewable Energy at KPMG International, emphasised the need for stable, transparent, and consistent policies to support the energy transition.
Elizabeth Ming, Lead of Global Sustainability for Private Equity at KPMG International, noted the enhanced understanding of the scale of the energy transition and the need for capital-intensive infrastructure investments.
As COP29 gets underway in Azerbaijan, this report underscores the growing momentum in energy transition investments while highlighting the challenges that still need to be addressed to ensure a sustainable and orderly transition to cleaner energy sources.