2.2 trillion yuan invested in green energy storage, but coal and nuclear are secretly recovering—energy transition has never been a one-way street

IEA states that global energy investment will increase by 5% to $3.4 trillion in 2026, with $2.2 trillion allocated to renewable energy, energy storage, power grids, and low-emission fuels. Natural gas investment will rise by over 10% to $330 billion, reaching a decade-high; upstream oil investment will decline for the third consecutive year. Due to the impact of the Iran war, companies are increasing investments in other regions and boosting spending on LNG, coal, and renewable energy to secure supplies. Coal investment will reach $180 billion, a 14-year high; nuclear energy investment will rebound to $80 billion. In 2026, Middle Eastern oil and gas investment is expected to decline by 1% due to infrastructure damage, decreased revenue, and production disruptions.