About the BP Technology Outlook
The BP Technology Outlook examines the potential of technology to change the way we produce and use energy to 2050.
The BP Technology Outlook examines the potential of technology to change the way we produce and use energy to 2050.
Many things can impact the world of energy – including natural resources, national policies, and consumer or societal preferences.
BP Technology Outlook seeks to isolate some of the major longer-term technology signals from other drivers, through to 2050, based on simple techno-economic analysis, since our previous publication in 2015.
BP Technology Outlook therefore does not contain forecasts, they are technology signals, and comparison with the BP Technology Outlook 2015, shows clearly that technology development is impossible to predict with any certainty.
The core analysis therefore does not factor in the impact of policies, such as those aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions or improving air quality. However, in the studies on power, transport and heat, a carbon price has been overlaid on the core calculations to see what difference it could make.
It examines three regions: China, Europe and North America, which together account for more than 50% of the world’s primary energy consumption but have very different energy systems.
Who did we work with?
It draws on a series of studies carried out over three years by BP and eight partners in universities and research institutes, using a combination of fundamental analysis and energy system modelling to produce insights into long-term trends.
How can BP Technology Outlook help?
It is designed to inform thinking in business, governments, academia and beyond. The BP Technology Outlook provides an insight into how the world of energy could evolve independently of policy or regulation. It may therefore help policymakers consider what additional incentives and measures to introduce.
What’s happened since we published BP Technology Outlook 2015?
The three key messages haven’t changed.
Abundance of energy resources
Comparative ease of power sector decarbonization
Rapid evolution of digital technology
But a lot can happen in three years.
Energy storage – lower battery costs
Renewables – solar and wind costs
Higher performance of unconventional reservoirs
What’s included in BP Technology Outlook 2018?
Energy efficiency
Power
Intermittency
Transport
Heating and cooling
Energy system modelling
Energy storage,
Air quality
Please download the report to look at BP Technology Outlook 2018 in detail.