Investor interest in the energy sector has strengthened over the past five years despite recent global disruptions, according to the ADIPEC Global Energy Report 2026: Power Shift.
The report found that 85 per cent of surveyed energy industry leaders indicated growing investor appetite for the sector, reflecting increased confidence in its long-term prospects.
Drawing on responses from more than 1,800 senior decision-makers across energy, technology, finance and manufacturing, including 304 oil and gas leaders, the study examined expectations for investment, energy security and technological change.
Overall, 64 per cent of respondents said the global energy system had demonstrated greater resilience than expected during recent disruptions, while 77 per cent were optimistic about the sector’s outlook over the next decade.
The findings also pointed to an expanding role for the Middle East in global energy markets.
Some 72 per cent of respondents expected the region to become more important to the global energy system over the next decade, while 74 per cent anticipated a larger role in energy infrastructure.
Those expectations reflect the region’s continued relevance as governments and businesses adjust to changing demand, investment priorities and energy security concerns.
Artificial intelligence emerged as another major influence on the sector’s future, particularly through its anticipated impact on electricity consumption.
More than 80 per cent of respondents expected AI-driven electricity demand to exceed current forecasts, while 71 per cent regarded the technology as more of an opportunity than a risk.
Meanwhile, 43 per cent expected technology and AI companies to gain the most influence over the energy sector, highlighting the increasingly close relationship between digital infrastructure and power supply.
The report also indicated broad support for a diversified energy mix, with 93 per cent of respondents saying that meeting future demand would require growth across multiple energy sources.
The findings point to continuing investment needs in energy production, power generation and electricity grids as demand expands and technology changes consumption patterns.
Based on a survey across 10 markets and supplemented by interviews, the report captures senior decision-makers’ expectations about the sector’s direction. Its findings indicate stronger investment sentiment rather than a measured increase in actual investment.