About this report: Energy Perspectives is an independent energy scenario analysis prepared annually by Equinor analysts in macroeconomics, energy markets and geopolitics.
Presentation by Christian Becker, senior vice president for global external analysis, 11 June 2026:
Energy Perspectives 2026 presents four scenarios for the future world economy, international energy markets and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The scenarios are not predictions, but possible contrasting pathways, providing a platform for debate, strategic planning and decision-making.
The four forecast scenarios, Walls, Plazas, Silos and Arches, are used to explore competing priorities - examining how different balances between security, affordability and decarbonisation could unfold over time.
Energy Perspectives give us the long-term insights and analyses needed to make the right decisions, both here and now and for the future.
Long-term energy market outlooks are characterised by significant uncertainty. This year is no exception. Geopolitical and macroeconomic developments continue to influence both short and long-term dynamics. The war in the Middle East has had unprecedented consequences on global energy flows, and a trajectory towards normalisation remains unclear. Political priorities are expected to focus on handling short-term challenges, with potential spillovers into longer-term developments.
Geopolitical shocks and the continued breakdown of the global rules-based order are shifting priorities in energy, economic and climate action policies.
Energy Perspectives presents four scenarios for economic and energy market development:
Walls represents the constraints that limit the transformation of the global energy system.
Plazas illustrates a world where rising consumption and economic growth take precedence over climate ambition.
Silos represent a fragmented world, hindering the unified action needed for an accelerated energy transition.
Arches explores a decarbonisation pathway, shaped by national and regional action, as global efforts continue to lack impact.
Here you can find our archive of previous editions of Energy Perspectives.