Energy security tops climate action as key driver of global transition, Siemens reports
As world leaders prepare to convene for COP30 in Brazil, a new global survey by Siemens reveals that energy resilience and national independence have overtaken decarbonization as the top priorities shaping global infrastructure strategies. The findings mark a notable shift from climate-centered cooperation toward sovereign energy security amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.
According to the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025, based on input from 1,400 senior executives and government representatives across 19 countries, energy resilience has climbed to the top of national priorities—up from third place in 2023. The study underscores how governments are pivoting toward secure, locally anchored energy systems as market volatility and global conflict reshape supply chains and investment priorities.
“The infrastructure transition is entering a new phase whereby national goals of energy security are overtaking global collaboration on decarbonization,” said Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Resilience is no longer optional—AI, technology, and digitalization are now critical to this shift.”
The report also reveals waning confidence in meeting global climate targets. Only 37% of executives now believe they will meet 2030 decarbonization goals, compared with 44% in 2023. Meanwhile, 57% expect increased fossil fuel investment over the next two years, signaling a pragmatic turn in national strategies focused on reliability and affordability.
More than three in five respondents (62%) expect future energy systems to rely on local or regional production rather than global trade. Over half say energy independence (52%) and resilience (53%) are already “advanced or mature” within their countries, highlighting how this transition is well underway.
While confidence in climate progress is falling, digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) are viewed as key enablers of both resilience and decarbonization. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents said AI is already helping make infrastructure more reliable, while 59% are using AI to reduce emissions. Siemens emphasized that embedding grid investment, digitalization, and advanced analytics into national policy frameworks could accelerate progress toward both economic and environmental goals.
