Global energy investment fell 8% in 2015 as clean alternatives see growth

A new report published by the International Energy Agency has stated that global energy investment fell by 8% in 2015, signalling a move towards cleaner energy but warned that more commitments could be directed towards meeting climate targets while addressing energy security concerns.

The report “World Energy Investment 2016 noted that total investment in the energy sector reached $1.8 trillion in 2015, down from $ 2.0 trillion in 2014.

The global energy think tank report shows that the energy system is undergoing a broad reorientation toward low-carbon energy and efficiency but investment in key clean energy technologies needs to be further ramped up to put the world economy on track for climate stabilisation.

“We see a broad shift of spending toward cleaner energy, often as a result of government policies,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “Our report clearly shows that such government measures can work, and are key to a successful energy transition. But while some progress has been achieved, investors need clarity and certainty from policy makers. Governments must not only maintain but heighten their commitment to achieve energy security and climate goals.”

With energy supply spending of USD 315 billion, China was once again the world’s largest energy investor last year, thanks to robust efforts in building up low-carbon generation and electricity networks, as well as implementing energy efficiency policies.

Investment in the United States’ energy supply declined to about $280 billion in 2015, falling nearly $75billion, due to low oil prices and cost deflation, representing half of the total decline in global energy spending. The Middle East and Russia emerged as the most resilient regions to spending cuts, thanks respectively to lower production costs and currency movements. As a result, national oil companies accounted for 44 percent of overall upstream investments, an all-time high.

Renewable energy investments of $313 billion accounted for nearly a fifth of total energy spending last year, establishing renewables as the largest source of power investment. While spending on renewable power capacity was flat between 2011 and 2015, electricity generation from the new capacity rose by one third, reflecting the steep cost declines in wind turbines and solar PV.

Global gas-fired power generation investment declined by nearly 40%. Asian markets continued to favour investment in coal power. Investment activity in European gas power remained muted despite large retirements anticipated in the next decade.

With investment rising 6%, energy efficiency spending was robust in 2015 due to government policies such as minimum standards that cover a rising share of new buildings, appliances and motor vehicles.