One important challenge is determining where to pursue smart and large-scale energy infrastructure, where to enable smart, decentralised systems that facilitate the operation of smaller, more resilient facilities and how to find the right combination of centralised and distributed systems. In designing these future systems, it will be important to dismantle the energy inequalities embedded in our current fossil-fuel-based world and to put measures in place that ensure that they do not re-emerge. It is likely that this will involve a transition from rigid electromechanical grids to programmable, data-driven networks. This too will require careful design that balances decentralised, bottom-up microgrids against large-scale, networked systems — and integrates the benefits of AI without compromising data security or introducing weakness into our critical infrastructure.

Equally important is the decarbonisation of our energy systems, including challenging sectors such as aviation and shipping. There is reason for optimism here: innovations in chemical engineering are helping the energy sector move towards alternative, low-carbon fuels and capturing carbon from existing and future fossil-fuel-burning energy sources. Primary obstacles include the need for more efficient catalysts, scalable sources of renewable feedstocks and the high costs that make direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide a competing and complementary technology. Broader environmental and sustainability considerations will require significant economic and societal changes: it is likely that only blunt policy instruments and mindset shifts will align our energy use with planetary boundaries and enable us to achieve long-term environmental goals. International funding, cooperation and regulation mechanisms could accelerate adoption of such measures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Energy production and delivery systems need to undergo a profound transformation if we are to meet both our energy needs and climate and sustainability goals. One important innovation will be an Integrated energy sector, where thermal, fuel-based and electrical energy systems interoperate. Electrical grids will also require new infrastructure that can make the most of Digital energy innovations and the transformative potential of AI to optimise complex new energy flows. Alternative sustainable fuels and chemicals are set to play a significant role in decarbonising energy systems. The science behind creating synthetic fuels from captured carbon dioxide is not yet fully understood and yet is a vital pathway for decarbonising sectors like aviation and shipping. Ecological sustainability and the health of people and the planet demands that the largest change must be to fully Coupling energy and environment, which will require significant economic and societal shifts for a successful and timely transition.