Securing the Future of Energy
Energy security is one of today’s defining challenges—and without changes to the status quo, it’s poised to intensify. As global systems become more interconnected and energy demand accelerates, the question is no longer whether transformation is necessary, but how quickly and effectively it can happen.
The future of energy doesn’t rely solely on increasing supply. It demands a shift in how energy is produced, distributed and consumed. Technological innovation, regional climate imperatives and geopolitical shifts require a rethinking of energy strategies. As the sector evolves to be more environmentally responsible and prepares for increasing interconnectivity, it faces dynamics that make energy security a top priority.
Understanding the Demand
According to the International Energy Agency’s Global Energy Review 2025, global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, while demand for all fuels and technologies expanded in the same year. The increase was led by the power sector as electricity demand surged by 4.3%. Renewables accounted for the largest share of the growth in global energy supply (38%) followed by natural gas (28%), coal (15%), oil (11%) and nuclear (8%).1
Research by the World Bank consistently shows a correlation between energy consumption per capita and GDP per capita, affirming that energy availability is a foundation for development.2 This has important implications – increased energy demand in these regions should be viewed as a sign of progress, not an issue. The challenge is finding ways to use cleaner, more reliable energy sources as use rises. China’s recent decrease in CO2 emissions, driven by significant deployment of wind, solar and hydroelectric power, is one example of how rising demand and decarbonization efforts can advance together. Recognizing the link between energy demand and economic development is important, but growing demand can also present risks that make energy security a top priority.
Efficiency: The First Fuel
Enhancing efficiency is critical to improving energy security. The IEA refers to energy efficiency as the “first fuel” in the clean energy transition, since it provides some of the quickest and most cost-effective CO2 mitigation options while lowering energy bills and strengthening energy security.3
Continued increases in energy demand can lead to energy scarcity – creating energy shortages or disruptions – that can have potentially significant impacts on how organizations operate. No matter the cause of energy scarcity, communities, utilities and organizations must prepare to prevent shortages by evaluating their energy sources and systems and finding ways to enhance energy security.
Diversifying the Energy Mix
Energy mix refers to the primary energy sources used to generate energy in a specific country or region. Depending on the country, along with its climate policy and grid infrastructure, the typical energy mix may rely on a combination of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), nuclear energy and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, etc.).
To improve energy security, it’s important that communities, utilities and organizations continue to add new energy sources to the mix including liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels and hydrogen, along with considering technologies like carbon capture. This approach can help enhance energy security, adapt to changing demands and support economic growth.
Next-Generation Fuels: SAF and eSAF
Maximizing energy security also means enabling the use of future fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF). By sourcing biofuels and using waste materials, SAF bolsters energy security through diversification of fuel sources. Investment in SAF production facilities and infrastructure will help enable greater emissions reductions in the aviation sector. SAF can be blended with petroleum jet fuel and adoption is growing, but not fast enough.
By 2035, SAF is expected to encompass 11% of worldwide jet fuel demand — which will require delivering around 13 billion gallons of SAF annually.4 Most current SAF capacity relies on hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), which are feedstock limited and unlikely to meet long-term needs based on regional feedstock regulatory restrictions.
The emergence of eSAF further diversifies the feedstock mix by using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, which is then combined with carbon dioxide to create synthetic fuel. This process transforms surplus renewable energy into a viable aviation fuel. Multiple advanced technological pathways exist today to produce eSAF.
Technology and Strategy for Resilience
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of high energy demand, addressing global energy security is critical. No one action is going to meet demand alone. Instead, a multi-pronged strategy is likely required. Depending on the market, the approach may differ but it can include using technologies that help to improve energy efficiency of production, processes and use; expanding the overall energy mix to include more energy sources like LNG and low-carbon options like hydrogen; exploring technologies like carbon capture; and supporting the deployment of next-generation fuels such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF). Each of these strategies is important on their own. Together, these approaches can help improve energy security to better meet the needs of tomorrow, today.
Honeywell can help you improve your energy security. Schedule time with one of our experts to create a strategy that best fits your needs.
References
- International Energy Agency, “Global Energy Review 2025,” Alex Martinos and Thomas Spencer, March 2025. [Accessed June 5, 2025]
- Our World Data, “Energy use per person vs. GDP per capita, 2023,” June 20, 2024. [Accessed June 5, 2025]
- International Energy Agency, “Energy Efficiency – Energy System – IEA,” December 17, 2024. [Accessed June 5, 2025]
- S&P Global, “Global jet demand set to soar past pre-pandemic heights while SAF takes off | S&P Global,” Robert Perkins, August 8, 2024. [Accessed June 5, 2025]
Sponsored Content by Honeywell