The energy sector is always in transition. But change does not happen naturally or at an even pace; it becomes so — and often as a consequence of deliberate or intentional actions. Though the current
transition is and will probably remain unfinished, in a span of just a few decades the sector has evolved from a fixed, hidebound, inflexible energy economy (dominated by super majors and utilities) to one marked by unprecedented abundance, decoupled economic growth and emissions, and a global appetite for energy that has only been wetted and wants more.
Change of this magnitude naturally raises all sorts of questions, like "why is this happening?",
"why now?", and "where is this going?" The question of "who" is leading the transition can help answer some of these questions.
This issue of Energy Today tries to answer the "who" by looking at institutions as influencers. This might seem a bit unusual because institutions are generally not thought of as being dynamic. Indeed, most of the time they are downright dim and resistant to change. But sometimes, an effective
institution can affect change. And an exceptional one can be a force multiplier.
We believe these 5 exceptional institutions are deliberately and intentionally leading the current energy transition.
