Around the world, the journey to a net-zero economy has started. Smaller carbon footprints and cleaner energy sources are now a priority for energy companies, despite the imperative to meet near-term energy needs that is boosting demand for fossil fuels.
This is a turbulent time for energy markets. So we surveyed energy executives to find out how their companies are dealing with risks and seizing opportunities.
Around the world, the journey to a net-zero economy has started. Smaller carbon footprints and cleaner energy sources are now a priority for energy companies, despite the imperative to meet near-term energy needs that is boosting demand for fossil fuels.
This is a turbulent time for energy markets. So we surveyed energy executives to find out how their companies are dealing with risks and seizing opportunities.
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Our survey finds that energy companies are concerned about staying competitive.
of corporates say that staying competitive is the greatest risk in a net-zero economy
say they are well prepared
Energy companies are taking decisive steps to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. And they are investing in renewable energy and low- or zero-carbon technology such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
- 42 per cent of corporates say energy transition investment is a high priority now, compared with only 14 per cent two years ago
- Over the next 18 months:
of energy companies intend to pursue investment opportunities in greenfield renewable energy projects
will look into carbon capture and abatement technology
Energy companies are well-positioned to lead the transition, but to do that they need to develop new technology and infrastructure to provide an affordable, reliable and greener energy mix. And that means they need capital and government support to reduce the financial and legal risks of that process.
The good news is that many capital providers and energy companies want to decarbonise their portfolios and operations and help other sectors to get greener.
Our survey finds that energy companies are concerned about staying competitive.
of corporates say that staying competitive is the greatest risk in a net-zero economy
say they are well prepared
Energy companies are taking decisive steps to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. And they are investing in renewable energy and low- or zero-carbon technology such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
- 42 per cent of corporates say energy transition investment is a high priority now, compared with only 14 per cent two years ago
- Over the next 18 months:
of energy companies intend to pursue investment opportunities in greenfield renewable energy projects
will look into carbon capture and abatement technology
Energy companies are well-positioned to lead the transition, but to do that they need to develop new technology and infrastructure to provide an affordable, reliable and greener energy mix. And that means they need capital and government support to reduce the financial and legal risks of that process.
The good news is that many capital providers and energy companies want to decarbonise their portfolios and operations and help other sectors to get greener.
The investment community has really made climate action the new business imperative. It’s a business opportunity because less carbon is less cost, so it’s a time for organisations to reimagine themselves, their solutions, their stakeholders
![](https://www.whitecase.com/energy-transition/assets/images/anette-clayton_schneider-rgb.d71de7297e29.jpg)
Annette Clayton
CEO | Schneider Electric North America
The investment community has really made climate action the new business imperative. It’s a business opportunity because less carbon is less cost, so it’s a time for organisations to reimagine themselves, their solutions, their stakeholders
![](https://www.whitecase.com/energy-transition/assets/images/anette-clayton_schneider-rgb.d71de7297e29.jpg)
Annette Clayton
CEO | Schneider Electric North America
More than four in ten corporates and capital providers say they would rather make investments to reduce emissions than divest emissions-intensive businesses and assets in their portfolios.
Given the enormous amounts of capital required to finance the transition, providers intend to use a mix of sources of finance to invest in new renewable energy companies and low-carbon technology.