Energy Importers Led Clean Energy Transition
Nations dependent on foreign fuel boosted non-fossil energy use three times faster than exporters over the last five years.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Energy
Live Poll
Do you plan to invest in domestic power solutions to reduce your reliance on energy imports?
Data from the tenth Energy Transition Outlook report shows that energy-importing regions increased their non-fossil energy share by 2.2 percentage points over the past five years. In contrast, exporting regions saw an increase of only 0.7 percentage points as governments prioritized domestic power to secure supplies.
Why it matters
Disruptions to global energy flows, such as those involving the Strait of Hormuz, are compelling nations to reduce their reliance on imported oil and gas. This shift is driving a global move toward domestic clean energy sources, including solar, wind, and battery storage.
Battery capacity grew 14-fold over the last five years, while hydrogen and carbon capture project forecasts declined by 29% and 15% respectively. The world remains on a path toward 2.3°C of global warming despite these shifts.
The players
DNV
This global independent assurance and risk management organization published the tenth edition of its Energy Transition Outlook.
The details
China, India, and Europe have outpaced the Middle East, North America, and Russia in transitioning to non-fossil energy sources. While electrification is set to double in pace over the next two decades, long-term projections suggest energy-related emissions will fall by 44% by mid-century.
Timeline
The past five years saw a 14-fold increase in battery capacity.
The next two decades will see electrification accelerate to double the previous pace.
Energy-related emissions are projected to fall by 44% by the middle of the century.
The Big Picture
This report updates findings from the tenth Energy Transition Outlook, which serves as a definitive benchmark for global energy trends. The current data reflects a departure from earlier investment patterns in hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
The transition to domestic solar, wind, and battery power is expected to change the structure of global energy costs and infrastructure. As nations prioritize local generation, consumers may see changes in the security and composition of their regional power grids.
The takeaway
Global reliance on imported fossil fuels is being re-evaluated as nations prioritize energy sovereignty through rapid electrification. Future progress remains dependent on scaling proven technologies like solar and wind rather than relying on currently flagging carbon capture forecasts.
Further reading
For more on the current global shift in power sources, see our coverage of Energy.
Live Poll
Do you plan to invest in domestic power solutions to reduce your reliance on energy imports?
