Global energy investment totalled more than USD 1.9 trillion in 2021, with the power and end-user sectors attracting more investment than traditional fuel production
Energy markets focus on the trade and supply of electricity, gas and liquid fuels. They consist of three main elements: generation or production, transmission and distribution, and supply. Once electricity is generated or gas and oil is produced, it is sold on the wholesale market to suppliers, who sell it on to consumers and arrange for its delivery. It is distributed to homes and businesses through transmission and distribution systems. Depending on a country’s government policy, these elements of energy markets may be nationalised or privatised. Energy markets are closely regulated to ensure secure access to energy at fair prices, since energy is a necessity for sustained economic output and human welfare. Energy markets in the UK are privatised and regulated by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), which is responsible for protecting the interest of consumers by promoting fair competition. UK energy markets have recently experienced significant changes due to diversification of electricity generation through the rise of renewable energy sources, as well as the addition of many new suppliers.
Around the world, investments in the energy system are shifting, with increasing funds flowing into renewables, grid flexibility mechanisms, and low carbon transport. An appropriate policy and regulatory environment is required for continued investment towards a low carbon economy while maintaining energy security. The low carbon transition often requires the government to drive and guide private spending since investments in low carbon energy infrastructure are often capital-intensive and require long-term returns. There is growing need for new market structures to be defined and existing ones to play different roles in order to encourage low carbon investments across all sectors of energy, while also keeping the energy system stable and conventional sources flowing. Increased interconnection is also an option for moving towards more sustainable and cost-effective energy systems; integration of national energy systems through cross-border infrastructure can redefine investment agendas.
Learn more about markets and investment by reading our Energy Insights.
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0.0%
of a 530 billion USD investment in new power generation in 2021 is expected to be invested in renewables (IEA)
One US dollar
spent on wind and solar PV in 2021 generates four times more electricity than the same investment ten years ago (IEA)
0%
of UK energy professionals cite the need to invest in upskilling and retraining to meet the needs of the energy transition (Energy Barometer 2021)
A £0million
package was launched in April 2022 in the UK to support innovative energy technologies which will further strengthen the UK’s energy security (BEIS)
What's new?
New gas power plants needed to ‘reinforce’ energy supply – UK government
13/03/2024
The government’s backing for the construction of new gas-fired power plants forms part of the second consultation on the Review of Electricity Market ...
Novel wave energy system deployed off Portugal
13/03/2024
The C4 wave energy converter (WEC) was deployed in the Atlantic, off the coast of northern Portugal, and demonstrated the technology’s ability to ‘tu...
US solar installations skyrocket in first full year of Inflation Reduction Act
13/03/2024
The US solar industry added a record-breaking 32.4 GW of new electric generating capacity in 2023 – a 37% increase from the previous record set in 202...
Congo celebrates its first LNG export
06/03/2024
Coming onstream just one year after project sanction, the Congo LNG project is expected to open up opportunities for economic growth while contributin...
Qatar to increase LNG production capacity by nearly 85%
06/03/2024
Speaking at a press conference at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha, HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and...
Events and training
EI LIVE I Technical Webinar: Green hydrogen
25/03/2024
Technical Webinar: Green hydrogenThe energy transition continues to drive global momentum behind limiting climate change. International efforts are un...
Sustainable Energy solutions through Gas Generators
26/03/2024
Join us for an enlightening talk about how gas generators can be used as a sustainable and affordable energy solution with expert Pranav Jayarama...
Net Zero for Professionals - April 2024
22/04/2024 - 23/04/2024
This course provides a comprehensive, practical overview for those preparing their organisation for their net zero future.About:This 2 day classroom c...
Economics of the Oil and Gas Industry - October 2024
14/10/2024 - 15/10/2024
A 2-day introduction to the economics of the oil and gas industry. This course is suitable for students who are new to the oil and gas industry.
Introduction to LNG - October 2024
21/10/2024 - 22/10/2024
This 2-day training course provides an introduction to the LNG chain. Suitable for students who are new to the LNG sector and/or those with a non-tech...
Technical guidance publications
Guidance on large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, development and operation
2023
Solar photovoltaic (PV), which converts sunlight into electricity, is an important source of renewable energy in the 21st century. PV plant installati...
Research Report: Embedding circularity into the construction and decommissioning of assets (Phase 1)
2023
The guidance aims to enhance circularity in the construction and energy sectors, both onshore and offshore, by emphasising the reuse and recycling of ...
Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the understanding of the energy balance and efficiency of hydrogen value chain building blocks
2022
This document is free to download for registered users.This publication explores the efficiencies of the hydrogen energy system and quantifies the ene...
Waste to products – Technology and economic assessment (phase 1)
2022
This document is free to download for registered users.The EMG and Soil Wastes and Groundwater group (SWG) of the EI and Concawe have commissioned E4t...
Guidelines for the assessment of ageing and life extension of non-metallic components in the offshore oil and gas industry, volume 2: composite equipment and repairs
2022
This document captures industry good practice, knowledge and learning on these elements of composite materials. This guidance will provide a star...