WEF report says global energy transition readiness falls

Global progress toward cleaner energy systems has stalled, with overall readiness for the transition declining for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. The findings, released on Thursday, June 18, 2026, highlight a fragmented landscape where geopolitical shocks and investment gaps are slowing momentum despite record levels of clean energy spending.

The annual Energy Transition Index, which benchmarks 120 countries, found that four of five key dimensions for enabling the transition deteriorated this year. While global energy investment reached a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, including $2.3 trillion for clean energy, the report indicates investment alone is no longer sufficient to sustain progress. The global energy system is under mounting pressure as nations struggle to balance sustainability, affordability, and security amid rising electricity demand and infrastructure bottlenecks.

The report identified significant regional disparities. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the strongest gains of any region, positioning it as a promising area for future energy development. Several other regions, including Latin America and the...