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Image with icons for the four scenarios - walls, plazas, silos and arches

Energy Perspectives 2026

Global macroeconomic and energy market outlook

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.

Press release and downloads for Energy Perspectives 2026
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Energy Perspectives give us the long-term insights and analyses needed to make the right decisions, both here and now and for the future.
Portrait of Anders Opedal
Anders Opedal
President and CEO

Shifting global markets and geopolitics in 2026

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.

Portrait of Christian Becker
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Geopolitical shocks and the continued breakdown of the global rules-based order are shifting priorities in energy, economic and climate action policies.
Christian Becker
Senior vice president for global external analysis

Scenarios in Energy Perspectives 2026

Energy Perspectives presents four scenarios for economic and energy market development:

  • icon - walls

    Walls

    Walls represents the constraints that limit the transformation of the global energy system.

  • icon - plazas

    Plazas

    Plazas illustrates a world where rising consumption and economic growth take precedence over climate ambition.

  • icon - silos

    Silos

    Silos represent a fragmented world, hindering the unified action needed for an accelerated energy transition.

  • icon - arches

    Arches

    Arches explores a decarbonisation pathway, shaped by national and regional action, as global efforts continue to lack impact.

Press release and downloads

Previous Energy Perspectives reports

Here you can find our archive of previous editions of Energy Perspectives.