The energy transition: 10 essential indicators for institutional investors

Institutional investors globally, whether or not they have net zero commitments, are eager to align with and prepare for the energy transition. Understanding the pace of the transition has far-reaching consequences for investment portfolios. 

We have identified 10 forward-looking indicators of the energy transition that relate to capital deployment, policy shifts and technological advancements. Investors can monitor these indicators, such as electric vehicle charging stations and climate technology funding, to help build resilient, climate-aware portfolios and discover investment opportunities. 

Key themes

• The transformation of the global energy system is underway, igniting an unprecedented capital movement with profound implications for investment portfolios. 
• Over 80% of Nuveen's 2024 Equilibrium survey respondents indicated they consider or plan to consider the energy transition in their investment decisions.
• The shift to a cleaner global energy system will be a complex, multi-decade endeavor influenced by interrelated and fluctuating geopolitical, macroeconomic and technological factors. 
• The energy transition indicators can help investors evaluate how their portfolios and investment managers are positioned for the energy transition, reassess risks and uncover compelling investment opportunities.