Switched on to the energy transition

A year in review and look ahead to 2026

Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

In 2025, the energy sector continued to evolve at pace, shaped by innovation, regulatory shifts, and the growing urgency of the global energy transition. Last year, we saw significant progress across technologies such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), grid readiness initiatives, and collaborative approaches to resilience and sustainability. These developments were underpinned by a common theme: partnership between industry players to deliver solutions that balance reliability, affordability, and decarbonization.

Our work with clients throughout 2025 reflected these priorities. From advising on complex contracting structures for large-scale energy infrastructure projects to supporting global corporates on ESG strategies and integrated energy supply solutions, we have helped navigate challenges and unlock opportunities across diverse markets. These examples demonstrate the importance of working together to address an increasingly dynamic landscape.

Looking ahead to 2026, expectations for the energy transition remain high. We anticipate continued investment in modernizing energy infrastructure to support system flexibility and security, alongside measures to accommodate the growing energy demands of data centers. These demands will increasingly draw on a diverse mix of energy sources requiring integrated planning and resilient supply strategies. At the same time, regulatory frameworks will play a critical role in shaping market behavior, making proactive risk management and strategic planning essential for all participants.

As the sector advances, our focus remains clear: to partner with clients in achieving their ambitions while navigating complexity with confidence. The coming year promises both challenges and opportunities and we are ready to help deliver the next chapter of the energy transition.

Explore our thoughts on the key trends driving the energy transition and how they will shape the year ahead.


Jubilee Easo Global Co-Head of Energy


Thomas Warren Global Co-Head of Energy

Key trends

Explore our thinking and recent work highlights from our global energy team.

(published in January 2026)

electrical power units with wind farm in distance

Energy storage

Overview

AI data center and energy demand

Overview

Energy transition M&A

Overview

PPAs

Overview
solar panels in green field sunny day

Energy and commodities trading

Overview

Hydrogen and ammonia

Overview

Solar PV

Overview

Offshore wind

Overview
cooling stations in distance below blue sky

Nuclear

Overview

Our 2025 recognition

Won ‘Energy Team of the Year’

Law Middle East Awards 2025

Named "Most Recommended" in the energy industry

BTI Consulting Group

Shortlisted for Energy, Projects or Infrastructure Team of the Year

Chambers UK Awards 2025

Shortlisted for Law firm of the Year

Tamarindo Energy Storage Investment Awards 2025

Shortlisted for Legal Advisor of the Year

Tamarindo Wind Investment Awards 2025

Shortlisted for Energy Storage Law Firm of the Year

Informa Energy Storage Awards 2025

Shortlisted for Best Law Firm Advisory Team: Clean Energy 2025

Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025

Selected for the third year as a “Georgia Powerhouse“ law firm

Law 360

24 Energy Sector lawyers in the US have been recognized

Best Lawyers 2026

Recognized across 10 categories, including:

Energy - Excellent

Renewables - Excellent

Oil & Gas - Recommended

Utilities - Excellent

Legal Community Energy & Infrastructure Awards for Italy

Useful resources

Energy Transition Webinar Series
Hydrogen Unlocked
Recent Energy Insights
Global Energy

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© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.

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