ExxonMobil projects global electricity demand to rise roughly 65% by 2050
XOM•ExxonMobil’s 2026 Global Outlook projects global electricity demand will rise roughly 65% by 2050. It forecasts energy-related CO2 emissions will fall about 20% to roughly 30 billion metric tons annually, while natural gas use increases and solar and wind exceed 11% of the energy mix.
1. Demand and emissions outlook
ExxonMobil’s 2026 Global Outlook projects global electricity demand will rise roughly 65% by 2050. Energy use in developing countries is forecast to increase about 25%, driven by economic growth and improving living standards.
2. Fuel mix and emissions
The outlook projects energy-related CO2 emissions will fall roughly 20% to about 30 billion metric tons annually, still above climate-goal levels. The decline is smaller than previously projected as coal persists and lower-emission technologies scale more slowly than expected. Solar and wind should exceed 11% of the energy mix; natural gas use is expected to increase while oil remains essential.
