IHS Markit: Why 2020 is really the pivot point for energy transition
For the past 30 years, noncarbon energy’s share of global primary energy demand compared to fossil fuels held remarkably steady—that is now starting to change.
“2020 is shaping up to be a ‘pivot point’ in the energy transition—the moment when noncarbon energy’s share of global demand increases compared to fossil fuels,” according to a new analysis by Jim Burkhard, VP and Head of oil markets and energy and mobility at IHS Markit. On a global basis, noncarbon energy’s share of energy demand changed little from 1990 to 2019—staying within a narrow band of 8.3-9.8%. Demand for fossil fuels increased by 63% during that period. This kept fossil fuels at a very steady 80-82%% share of total global primary energy demand.
However, 2020 is proving to be the year when the combination of COVID-19 impacts on fossil fuel demand, growing investment in renewables, and increased concerns of climate change begin to shift that balance. IHS Markit expects noncarbon energy’s share of global demand will reach or exceed 10% this year, a mark not seen before.
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Furthermore, investments in renewable electricity generation capacity and IHS Markit expectations for actual electricity generation point to 8-12% annual growth in renewable energy demand to 2030. That level of growth would put noncarbon energy’s 2030 share of global demand at 13-16%—well above the historic range of the past 30 years.
Fossil fuel’s share of world energy demand in 2030 would drop to 73-77% under those conditions. That figure never fell below 80% between 1990-2019. IHS Markit expects fossil fuel demand for 2020 to fall 7% compared to 2019. Oil demand, which has born the harshest brunt from COVID-19 impacts, will register a 10% decline.
Fossil fuel demand is unlikely to record persistent demand declines. And a return to global economic growth in 2021 would lead to an increase in overall fossil fuel demand. The IHS Markit base case does not expect world oil demand to plateau until the mid-2030s.
Nevertheless, investment trends indicate that noncarbon energy, led by solar and wind power, is poised to gain more global market share in the years ahead—even as oil demand grows past pre-COVID levels.
