Power Predictions 2026: Strategic Intelligence

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The power sector is entering a period of accelerated transformation as technological innovation, evolving industry dynamics, geopolitical pressures, and environmental priorities reshape investment strategies and operational models. Understanding which themes will drive disruption is critical for utilities and energy stakeholders seeking to remain competitive in 2026 and beyond.

GlobalData’s latest report identifies the 20 most influential themes expected to impact the industry. For each theme, the report delivers predictions, highlights potential winners and losers, and provides direction for further research, enabling decision-makers to better understand the forces shaping the future power landscape.

The report organizes these themes into four categories. Major technology themes include artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, the metaverse, and robotics. Industry themes span electric vehicles, energy storage, energy transition, hydrogen, nuclear, renewable energy, smart grids, carbon emissions, and distributed generation. Geopolitics and tariffs represent the primary macroeconomic influences, while environmental considerations form the core ESG theme affecting the sector.

Scope

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the top themes expected to shape the power sector in 2026, including:

  • Coverage of the top 20 themes impacting the power industry

  • Predictions across technology, industry, macroeconomic, and ESG themes

  • Detailed assessment of themes including artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, the metaverse, robotics, electric vehicles, energy storage, energy transition, hydrogen, nuclear, renewable energy, smart grid, carbon emissions, distributed generation, geopolitics, tariffs, and ESG-environmental

  • Overview of deal trends, published patents, and job trends associated with each theme

  • Identification of winners and losers across the thematic landscape

  • Analysis of the impact and long-term significance of each theme on the power sector

How industry leaders are using this report

  • Understand the themes most likely to disrupt the power sector in 2026

  • Evaluate how technology advancements and industry shifts will influence utilities and energy markets

  • Track innovation activity through deal, patent, and employment trends

  • Identify competitive positioning by assessing likely winners and losers

  • Support strategic planning and investment prioritization using forward-looking predictions

Reasons to Buy

  • Gain an overview of the top 20 themes impacting the power sector in 2026

  • Access predictions covering technology themes such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, the metaverse, and robotics

  • Understand industry-focused predictions related to electric vehicles, energy storage, energy transition, hydrogen, nuclear, renewable energy, smart grids, carbon emissions, and distributed generation

  • Evaluate macroeconomic influences including geopolitics and tariffs

  • Assess ESG-focused predictions centered on environmental factors

  • Benefit from insight into a thematic research ecosystem that provides an integrated framework for tracking themes and their impact on the power sector

  • Understand how each theme is expected to influence power utilities in terms of application and investment

Who should buy this report

  • Power Utilities and Independent Power Producers

  • Energy Technology Providers

  • Strategy and Market Intelligence Teams

  • Corporate Planning and Investment Functions

  • Energy Sector Consultants and Advisors

  • Infrastructure and Energy-Focused Investors

Duke Energy
Enel
Iberdrola
Ørsted
Vattenfall
SSE
Southern Company
RWE
CenterPoint Energy
Électricité de France
NextEra Energy
E.ON
Edidon International
ENGIE
EnBW
Southern Company
JERA
AES
Avangrid
Hydro-Québec
Rosatom
SSE
Eversource Energy
PSE&G
Alliant Energy
Dominion Energy
Gazprom
China General Nuclear Power Corporation
Korea Electric Power Corporation
Sempra Energy
EDP

Table of Contents

| Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary 3

2. 2025 Theme Map 4

3. Artificial Intelligence 5

4. Big Data 6

5. Blockchain 7

6. Cloud 8

7. Cybersecurity 9

8. Internet of Things 10

9. Metaverse 11

10. Robotics 12

11. Electric Vehicles 13

12. Energy Storage 14

13. Energy Transition 15

14. Hydrogen 16

15. Nuclear 17

16. Renewable Energy 18

17. Smart Grid 19

18. Carbon Emissions 20

19. Distributed Generation 21

20. Geopolitics 22

21. Tariffs 23

22. ESG-Environmental 24

23. Glossary 25

24. Further Reading 27

25. Our Thematic Research Methodology 30

26. About GlobalData 32

| Contact Us 33

Power Predictions 2026: Strategic Intelligence thematic reports
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Sample Report

Power Predictions 2026: Strategic Intelligence was curated by the best experts in the industry and we are confident about its unique quality. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer free sample pages to help you:

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