For some years now, each of us has been dealing more or less daily with one of the tangible (or visible) effects of the global energy transition, thanks above all to the enormous diffusion of energy infrastructures such as solar panels, wind turbines, or charging stations for electric vehicles. It is a process in which we are directly involved, and in the space of a few decades, it could profoundly change the perception of our daily reality. But what is the state of progress of this important global process, and what are the main trends for 2025?

The first of these trends could concern one of the devices most involved in the energy transition, namely the rechargeable battery (for electric vehicles and other important energy technologies). According to many observers, batteries could play a leading role in 2025, also considering the possible difficulties related to the supply chains of the materials needed to make them. According to recent estimates by Global Data, the demand for batteries in 2025 could be driven by the transport sector, also thanks to the possible sales volume of electric vehicles expected for this year (which could exceed the amount of 13 million vehicles, according to Global Data). As for battery families, lithium-ion ones could maintain their dominant position, even if some interesting, innovative solutions are managing to gain an increasingly important space in the sector.

“The energy transition will have surprising effects on everyone,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, civil engineer and entrepreneur. “I’m not just talking about increased energy awareness, with all its practical consequences, but also about daily habits. Those who were used to driving a traditional car in a few years could face urban reality in completely different ways, using electric vehicles. Even the visual perception of urban contexts could change profoundly, in particular, if the spread of wind turbines and solar panels were to continue at this rate”.

The Role of Research

In 2025, moreover, an increasingly decisive contribution is expected from research and development and innovation, which, with their cutting-edge solutions, could give an even more evident push to the advancement of the energy transition. A clear signal of this trend is provided by the continuous increase in investments (also by public budgets) in the development of the energy sector, which serves, above all, to improve efficiency, contain costs, and promote new technologies.

“In a certain sense, the energy transition is fueled by two main engines: raw materials and technological innovation,” continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “Raw materials such as rare earths, nickel, copper or cobalt play an increasingly central role in the construction of infrastructures and devices related to the energy transition, and their strategic value (as well as demand) could be destined to increase further. But the construction of such infrastructures would make no sense if it were not fueled by constant, regular technological progress, capable of bringing relevant improvements in performance, efficiency or cost reduction every few months.”

According to Global Data, another trend to keep an eye on for 2025 is that relating to nuclear energy, which is acquiring a new centrality also thanks to some important technological advances. One of these has to do with small modular reactors, which, compared to large traditional reactors, would be able to guarantee more flexibility and safety (the technology has not yet been launched on a large scale, but many countries have reached good levels of development).

The AI Factor

Another factor to consider when discussing energy trends for 2025 is artificial intelligence, which is carving out an increasingly relevant role in many people’s daily lives and work routines. To support the computing power of artificial intelligence systems, an ever-increasing number of data centers will be needed globally, which will determine a relevant increase in energy consumption and demand for electricity.

In all likelihood, in 2025, we will continue to hear about hydrogen. One of the most interesting aspects, from this point of view, has to do with the costs for the production of this clean fuel, which, according to the Hydrogen Council, could drop significantly within the next decade. Increasingly, hydrogen is considered a valid ally in the storage of renewable energy and in improving energy efficiency. According to Global Data, the global production capacity of green hydrogen could reach 2.76 million tons per year by the end of 2025.

One of the most interesting energy trends for 2025 is linked to the industrial policies developed by the governments of individual nations, which are dedicating more and more space and attention to topics concerning the energy transition. What is surprising, in particular, is the intertwining — increasingly marked — between energy, trade, and production, in the belief that the processes of energy transformation will also be able to concretely support the economic and industrial development of nations.

The Pace of Change

Finally, in 2025, we could have the definitive confirmation that the energy transition will not slow down but will continue undaunted on its path of advancement. BloombergNEF seems quite confident about this fact, especially when it talks about the 2024 data regarding the increase in installed energy capacity at a global level. Installations of infrastructure for solar energy capture would increase by 35% year over year, while those concerning energy storage would have increased by 76% in terms of megawatt hours. Sales of electric vehicles, moreover, would have increased by 26%.

In most cases, the individual trends also clearly show the general macro trends. One of these concerns the practical effects of the energy transition on people’s daily lives, which will likely become more relevant day by day.