The State of Energy Innovation

Abstract

Global energy innovation is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advances, increased public and private investment, and a shifting international landscape. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of recent progress and emerging challenges in energy technology innovation, drawing on over 150 innovation highlights and a survey of practitioners across 34 countries. It analyses trends in public and corporate R&D spending, venture capital flows, and technology demonstration efforts, highlighting an increasingly international landscape, with emerging economies making strides alongside traditional leaders. The report documents the increasing focus on low-emissions, modular and mass-manufactured technologies, as well as launching a set of 18 “races” to encourage faster progress towards key demonstration milestones. It identifies areas where new approaches to policy support are being developed to use public funds more effectively, but also highlights areas where more efforts are needed to address barriers to scale-up and attract private capital. The report includes focus chapters on three dynamic fields, namely diversification of battery mineral supplies, application of artificial intelligence to energy innovation, and development of carbon dioxide removal technologies. The analysis provides a data-driven foundation to inform policy makers, industry and other stakeholders on the state of energy innovation worldwide and the importance of sustaining innovation momentum over the long term.