Global Energy Shift by 2050: Alternative Sources Surge, Coal Declines
The global energy landscape is set to shift significantly by 2050, with a significant increase in alternative energy sources and a decline in coal usage. Meanwhile, oil demand is projected to rise, driven by population growth and urbanisation.
Behrooz Baikalizadeh, speaking at the Kazakhstan Energy Week 2025 and the 16th Kazenergy Eurasian Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, outlined the outlook for the OPEC oil market. He predicted steady progress in the oil sector, improving efficiency and reducing costs, but no major technological breakthroughs by 2050.
The proportion of alternative energy is expected to surge from 24 percent to 65.5 percent by 2050, as coal is phased out. Renewable energy is projected to account for 13.5 percent of the global energy mix by this time. However, coal and other sources are expected to decline by 13 percent, with coal-fired generation shrinking to 3.2 terawatt hours.
Driving this shift is global population growth, projected to rise from 8.2 billion to 9.7 billion by 2050. More than 1.2 billion people are expected to live in cities by this time, contributing to the rise in oil demand. Economic growth in OECD countries will also accelerate oil demand, with global demand for oil projected to grow by 23 percent, rising from 308 million barrels of oil equivalent per day to 378 million barrels.
By 2050, the global energy mix will be significantly different, with a substantial increase in alternative energy sources and a decline in coal usage. While oil demand is expected to rise, driven by population growth and urbanisation, steady progress in the oil sector is projected to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
