As humanity barrels into the future, our insatiable thirst for energy continues to grow exponentially. From powering sprawling cities to fueling cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, energy remains the lifeblood of modern civilization. The next decade promises to be a pivotal period in how we generate, store, and consume energy. In this article, we’ll explore 10 bold predictions about how our infinite demand for energy will shape the world over the next 10 years, along with the companies poised to capitalize on these seismic shifts.
Prediction 1: Renewable Energy Will Dominate Global Power Grids
The transition to renewable energy is no longer a pipe dream—it’s a necessity. By 2035, solar, wind, and hydropower are projected to account for over 60% of global electricity production, driven by plummeting costs and aggressive climate policies. Solar panel efficiency will improve thanks to innovations like perovskite cells, while offshore wind farms will harness stronger, more consistent winds. Governments will double down on subsidies, and corporations will race to meet net-zero pledges.
Stocks to Watch:
- Vestas Wind Systems (CPH: VWS): A leader in wind turbine manufacturing, Vestas will benefit as offshore wind projects multiply.
- First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR): Known for its advanced thin-film solar modules, First Solar is well-positioned for the solar boom.
- Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH): This company’s microinverters and energy storage solutions will thrive as solar adoption soars.
The challenge? Grid infrastructure will need massive upgrades to handle intermittent renewable sources, paving the way for a parallel boom in energy storage solutions.
Prediction 2: Battery Technology Will Revolutionize Energy Storage
Our infinite energy demand can’t be met by renewables alone without reliable storage. By 2035, breakthroughs in solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and even hydrogen-based storage will transform how we store energy. Lithium-ion will remain dominant in the short term, but alternatives like sodium-ion (cheaper and more abundant) will gain traction. Expect electric vehicles (EVs), homes, and even entire cities to rely on advanced batteries to smooth out supply and demand.
Stocks to Watch:
- Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA): Beyond EVs, Tesla’s Megapack and Powerwall systems will lead the grid-scale storage market.
- QuantumScape (NYSE: QS): This solid-state battery pioneer could disrupt the industry if its technology scales.
- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB): A top lithium producer, Albemarle will profit as battery demand surges.
The ripple effect: cheaper, longer-lasting batteries will accelerate EV adoption and make off-grid living mainstream.
Prediction 3: Nuclear Fusion Inches Closer to Reality
Fusion energy—clean, limitless, and safe—has been “30 years away” for decades. But by 2035, we’ll see tangible progress. Projects like ITER and private ventures will demonstrate sustained fusion reactions, even if commercial deployment remains elusive. Governments will pour billions into fusion research, viewing it as the ultimate solution to energy scarcity. Small modular reactors (SMRs) using fission will bridge the gap, offering a cleaner alternative to coal.
Stocks to Watch:
- NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR): A frontrunner in SMR technology, NuScale could see explosive growth as nuclear gains favor.
- General Fusion (Private): While not yet public, this fusion startup’s breakthroughs could lead to an IPO by 2030.
- Westinghouse Electric (Private): A legacy nuclear player, Westinghouse may go public again as SMRs take off.
Fusion’s promise will inspire optimism, but its timeline will test investors’ patience.
Prediction 4: Hydrogen Becomes the Fuel of the Future
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, will emerge as a cornerstone of the energy transition by 2035. Heavy industries like steel and shipping, which can’t easily electrify, will turn to hydrogen for decarbonization. Massive investments in electrolyzers and fuel cells will drive costs down, while hydrogen pipelines and storage facilities sprout globally.
Stocks to Watch:
- Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG): A leader in hydrogen fuel cells, Plug Power will benefit from industrial adoption.
- Nel ASA (OSL: NEL): This Norwegian company’s electrolyzers are key to scaling green hydrogen production.
- Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE: APD): A major player in hydrogen infrastructure, it’s poised for growth.
The catch: hydrogen’s energy density and transportation challenges will require innovation, but the payoff will be immense.
Prediction 5: Artificial Intelligence Optimizes Energy Efficiency
AI will revolutionize energy management over the next decade. Smart grids powered by machine learning will predict demand spikes, reduce waste, and integrate renewables seamlessly. In homes, AI-driven systems will adjust lighting, heating, and appliance use in real time. Data centers, notorious energy hogs, will use AI to slash consumption while supporting the AI boom itself.
Stocks to Watch:
- NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA): Its GPUs power AI models that optimize energy systems.
- Schneider Electric (EPA: SU): A leader in smart grid tech, Schneider will thrive as AI adoption grows.
- Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL): Google’s DeepMind AI is already cutting data center energy use—expect more.
AI’s energy footprint will grow, but its efficiency gains will outweigh the costs.
Prediction 6: Electric Vehicles Overtake Combustion Engines
By 2035, EVs will dominate roads worldwide, fueled by cheaper batteries, expanded charging networks, and bans on internal combustion engines. Autonomous electric fleets will reshape transportation, while electric planes and ships enter early commercialization. The demand for rare earth metals and lithium will skyrocket, sparking a mining frenzy.
Stocks to Watch:
- Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA): The EV king will maintain its edge with innovation and scale.
- Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI): A rising Chinese EV maker, Li Auto could dominate Asia.
- Livent (NYSE: LTHM): A lithium supplier, Livent will ride the EV wave.
Charging infrastructure will be the bottleneck—companies solving this will strike gold.
Prediction 7: Decentralized Energy Systems Empower Communities
Centralized power plants will give way to microgrids and peer-to-peer energy trading by 2035. Solar panels, small wind turbines, and home batteries will let neighborhoods generate and share power. Blockchain will enable secure, transparent energy markets, reducing reliance on utilities. Rural and developing regions will leapfrog to decentralized systems, bypassing traditional grids.
Stocks to Watch:
- Sunrun (NASDAQ: RUN): A solar-plus-storage provider, Sunrun will lead the residential shift.
- Siemens (ETR: SIE): Its microgrid solutions will power this trend.
- Power Ledger (Private): This blockchain energy trading platform could go public as decentralization grows.
Utilities will fight back, but the tide of energy independence is unstoppable.
Prediction 8: Carbon Capture Becomes a Trillion-Dollar Industry
With energy demand soaring, emissions won’t vanish overnight. By 2035, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) will scale dramatically, driven by regulation and corporate pledges. Direct air capture (DAC) technologies will suck CO2 from the atmosphere, while captured carbon will be repurposed into fuels, plastics, and concrete.
Stocks to Watch:
- ** Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY)**: A DAC pioneer, Occidental is betting big on carbon capture.
- Climeworks (Private): This Swiss DAC leader could IPO as the market matures.
- Carbon Engineering (Private): Backed by big oil, it’s another IPO candidate.
CCUS will be pricey, but its role in offsetting energy emissions will be critical.
Prediction 9: Space-Based Solar Power Takes Flight
By 2035, the first commercial space-based solar power (SBSP) stations will beam energy to Earth via microwaves. Orbiting panels will capture sunlight 24/7, unaffected by weather or night. While launch costs remain a hurdle, SpaceX’s Starship and reusable rockets will make SBSP viable, offering a near-infinite energy source.
Stocks to Watch:
- SpaceX (Private): Elon Musk’s rocket empire will enable SBSP—watch for an IPO.
- Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC): A key player in space tech, it’s already testing SBSP prototypes.
- Maxar Technologies (NYSE: MAXR): Its satellite expertise will support SBSP development.
SBSP will start small, but its potential is astronomical.
Prediction 10: Energy Geopolitics Shifts Dramatically
The energy transition will redraw global power maps by 2035. Oil-rich nations will pivot to hydrogen and solar exports, while rare earth-rich countries like China and Australia will wield new influence. Energy independence via renewables will weaken OPEC’s grip, but conflicts over lithium and cobalt mining will spark tensions. The U.S., China, and Europe will race to secure supply chains.
Stocks to Watch:
- BHP Group (ASX: BHP): A mining giant, BHP will profit from rare earth demand.
- Ganfeng Lithium (SHE: 002460): China’s lithium leader will dominate battery metals.
- TotalEnergies (EPA: TTE): This oil major’s shift to renewables and hydrogen will pay off.
Energy wars won’t end—they’ll just change battlegrounds.
Conclusion
The next decade will be defined by our infinite demand for energy and the ingenious ways we meet it. From fusion breakthroughs to space-based solar, the energy landscape will evolve at breakneck speed. Investors eyeing this transformation can find opportunities in renewables, batteries, hydrogen, and beyond. The stakes are high, the rewards are higher, and the future is electric—literally and figuratively. As we hurtle toward 2035, one thing is clear: energy isn’t just power; it’s the pulse of progress.
