From ambition to implementation: delivering the energy transition and industrial transformation in 2026

The central question for 2026 is no longer what needs to be done, but how to make it work. The energy transition is entering a phase where ambition must translate into robust, functioning systems. Priorities are clear: integrating renewables and storage at scale, improving energy efficiency across sectors, and developing the infrastructure needed for hydrogen and sector coupling.

At the same time, the transition does not stop at energy. Decarbonising industry requires a closer link between energy systems and environmental sustainability. Circular economy approaches, such as securing critical raw materials, building sustainable value chains, and reducing resource consumption through smarter production and recycling, are becoming central to industrial policy

Industrial transformation also depends on innovation. Scaling future technologies, advancing digitalisation, and supporting companies in developing credible, implementable sustainability strategies are essential to maintain competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly changing global environment.

International cooperation underpins all of this. Partnerships, particularly with Asia, are crucial: energy demand is growing, industrial value chains are deeply interconnected, and joint efforts can accelerate learning and implementation on decarbonisation, efficiency, and circularity.

Focus areas for 2026

• National and international energy transition: implementing efficiency and hydrogen strategies with partners

• Environmental sustainability: building circular value chains, reducing resource use

• Industrial transformation: strengthening competitiveness through innovation and resilience