Letter from the US: Energy needs require a rethink
Tariffs, AI, critical minerals and emerging markets all raise fundamental policy questions
The recent Energy Future Forum kicked off with a global perspective from Daniel Yergin, familiar to the energy world as the author of The Prize and other seminal works. One of his key messages was that a rethink is needed on net zero. The scale of the change needed to hit net-zero targets is far greater than envisaged by policymakers a few years ago; costs are rising and have probably always been under-appreciated. Nowhere near enough progress has been made as we come close to target dates such as 2030. Yergin’s view was neatly summed up by a phrase heard at the conference: “you cannot negotiate with physics.” This chimes with the view of the National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA), whic
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
