New Energy Outlook 2021

The New Energy Outlook (NEO) is BloombergNEF’s annual long-term scenario analysis on the future of the energy economy.

This edition presents three climate scenarios that meet the Paris Agreement and achieve net-zero emissions in 2050. Our Green Scenario is a net-zero pathway where so-called ‘green hydrogen’ complements greater electricity use, recycling and bioenergy. Our Gray Scenario assumes greater use of electricity and renewable power is complemented by carbon capture and storage technology and allows for the continued use of some fossil fuels. Our Red Scenario assumes smaller, modular nuclear is deployed to complement wind, solar and battery technology in the power sector, with dedicated nuclear plants manufacturing so-called “red hydrogen”. This year’s analysis has been designed to support strategy development and long-term planning, especially in the lead-up to COP26 in November.