1.5 Trillion Won Invested Daily in Global Solar Power... "Nuclear Revival Underway"

IEA Releases 'World Energy Investment' Report

64% of Global Energy Investment to Go to Clean Energy

Oil Investment to Decline for Third Year Despite Rising Prices

AI Expansion Drives 20% Increase in Power Grid Investment

Data Center Boom Restricts Gas Turbine Supply

The appearance of the floating solar power system installed at Imha Dam. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

Amid rising concerns over energy security due to the Iran war, global investment in clean energy—such as renewables and nuclear power—continues to expand. Despite recent increases in oil prices, investment in oil is expected to decline for the third consecutive year.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated in its 'World Energy Investment' report, released on May 29, that global energy investment in 2026 is projected to reach 3.4 trillion dollars, a slight increase from the previous year.

Of this amount, 2.2 trillion dollars, accounting for 64%, is expected to be invested in clean energy sectors such as power grids, storage facilities, low-emission fuels, nuclear power, renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification. Meanwhile, 1.2 trillion dollars is anticipated to be allocated to oil, natural gas, and coal.

The IEA forecasts that, despite rising oil prices, oil investment in 2026 will decline for the third straight year, dropping below 500 billion dollars. The report cites several reasons for the decline in oil investment: uncertainty regarding the duration of price spikes, long project lead times (development periods), supply chain constraints, and a tightening offshore drilling rig market.

In contrast, investment in natural gas is expected to reach a ten-year high of 330 billion dollars, fueled by a boom in new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects centered on the United States and Qatar.

In 2026, investment in renewable energy generation projects is projected to total 665 billion dollars, with 365 billion dollars allocated to solar power alone. This means that 1 billion dollars (1.5 trillion won) per day is being invested in solar power alone.

The IEA explained that, although the annual growth rate of renewable energy investment has recently moderated, low-emission sources continue to account for more than 70% of global power generation investment.

The IEA also assessed that "investment in nuclear power is surpassing 80 billion dollars annually, marking a sustained revival." According to the IEA, about 80 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity are currently under construction in 15 countries.

Meanwhile, new investment in coal this year is expected to rise to 180 billion dollars, the highest level since 2012. China is projected to account for about 70% of global coal supply expenditure. The report pointed out that some Asian countries affected by the current crisis may seek to extend the operational life of existing coal-fired power plants in an effort to strengthen energy security.

The report analyzed that, following the Middle East war, heightened concerns over energy security and trade reliability are prompting governments and businesses worldwide to reconsider their energy investment strategies.

The report stated, "Just a few years after the energy crisis triggered by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, this new supply shock will have a lasting impact on future investment priorities," adding, "This trend is especially pronounced in Asia and the Middle East, which have been most affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz."

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, said, "We are in the midst of the greatest energy security crisis the world has ever faced," adding, "This crisis will reshape global investment strategies, much like the sweeping changes witnessed in the energy sector following the oil shocks of the 1970s."

Investment in power grids is also expected to continue increasing due to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). The report forecasts that power supply and infrastructure investment this year will reach about 1.6 trillion won. Spending on power grids is expected to approach 550 billion dollars, a 20% increase from the previous year. Battery storage investment is projected to exceed 100 billion dollars.

The IEA noted, "Driven by data center demand, orders for new gas-fired power plants in 2025 reached the highest level in 25 years," adding, "Strong demand in the United States and the Middle East is limiting the availability of gas turbines in other regions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.