As we head into 2026, global energy transition is entering a new, more mature phase despite geographical unevenness.
Although rapid growth in some sectors is met by stagnation in harder-to-abate sectors, amidst the complex geopolitical backdrop, government focus on energy security, climate risk and AI-driven energy demand is leading to policy clarity and further advancement of low carbon regulatory frameworks. Challenges remain: in particular, grid constraints, barriers to international policy coordination and continued testing of the supply chain. But the rise of innovative financing structures and the liquidity of the private capital markets in response to greater policy certainty and maturing technology means the transition carries on.
From a resurgence of nuclear programmes to the rapid growth of battery storage and a positive start to the year for UK offshore wind, markets are gradually pivoting toward technologies and energy systems capable of delivering firm and flexible low carbon capacity.
This year’s Energy & Infrastructure Legal Outlook explores the latest developments in key markets around the world across all sectors of the energy transition, highlighting the legal and regulatory changes to look out for in 2026 and beyond.
The key themes we expect to shape the global energy and infrastructure landscape in 2026 are:
A global nuclear reawakening: multiple jurisdictions move to extend, expand or restart nuclear programmes, including SMRs, as a crucial pillar of firm, low carbon electricity capacity.
Offshore wind prevails: ambitions remain high as offshore wind starts to make a come-back, with the UK leading the way and private capital supporting growth.
A strategic repositioning for oil and gas: private capital is targeting cash-generative assets that can both meet current demand and support future low-carbon value chains.
Grid capacity as the defining bottleneck: connection reform, flexible access and massive infrastructure investment dominate global agendas.
BESS and long duration storage accelerate: storage becomes central to system flexibility and security.
Hydrogen moves from strategy to execution: business models, auctions and early regional networks begin to crystallise.
Data centres reshape energy policy: explosive digital infrastructure growth drives demand, grid constraints and new regulatory responses balancing economic growth with sustainability priorities.
Private capital deepens its role: investors favour high quality, de-risked opportunities across clean power and digital energy convergence.
CCUS scaling towards commercial reality: first of a kind financings and cross border cooperation take shape as regional hubs emerge.
Policy and market frameworks evolve: capacity mechanisms, CfD reform, carbon pricing and new regulatory regimes take centre stage.
To dive deeper, join our upcoming Energy Transition webinar on what the 2026 legal and regulatory outlook means for those shaping and investing in the energy transition.
