State of Energy 2026 Report
October 08, 2026
News
State of Energy 2026: From opportunity to execution
Confidence in the energy market is strong. But the ability to find specialist skills, mobilise people across borders and deliver complex projects is under growing pressure. Brunel's State of Energy 2026 report explores the gap between market opportunity and operational capacity, drawing on the perspectives of energy professionals and selected independent market evidence.
Confidence is strong. Delivery remains complex.
Investment and growth expectations extend across conventional and emerging parts of the energy system. Yet opportunity alone does not deliver a project. Organisations still need access to scarce technical skills, workable mobilisation plans, local expertise and strong execution. State of Energy 2026 looks at the pressures shaping workforce planning, international mobility and project delivery, and the practical priorities that can help turn investment ambition into operational capacity.
A snapshot of what energy professionals told us:
- 68% are confident or very confident about the next two years.
- 96% experience difficulty securing qualified talent.
- 84% say international mobility is very important or critical.
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Original insight, supported by wider market evidence
The report combines directional findings from Brunel's State of Energy 2026 survey with selected independent evidence from organisations including the International Energy Agency, European Commission, European Labour Authority and OECD.
Survey findings describe what respondents told us and should not be read as statistically representative of the whole energy industry. The wider evidence helps place those signals in a broader market context.
Turning insight into action
Brunel helps energy organisations connect the people, mobilisation support and project expertise needed to move critical work forward.
- Workforce Solutions: Find specialist talent, build flexible project teams and plan ahead for changing demand.
- Global Mobility Solutions: Coordinate immigration, employment, payroll and in-country support for people and teams working across borders.
- Project and Consulting Solutions: Bring project management, risk assurance and technical expertise into critical phases, from planning through commissioning and operational readiness.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the State of Energy 2026 report?
State of Energy 2026 is a Brunel research briefing exploring energy market confidence, workforce pressure, international mobility and project delivery. It combines directional survey findings with selected independent market evidence.
What topics does the report cover?
The report covers the energy market outlook, skills shortages, workforce agility, international mobilisation, external delivery partners and the priorities organisations can use to strengthen project execution.
Who is the report for?
It is intended for leaders and teams responsible for energy strategy, project delivery, workforce planning, recruitment and global mobility.
How was the research developed?
The briefing combines responses from Brunel's State of Energy 2026 survey with evidence from independent organisations including the International Energy Agency, European Commission, European Labour Authority and OECD. Survey results reflect the respondents and are presented as directional findings rather than industry-wide claims.