Based on extensive stakeholder engagement, research and modelling, FES 2021 describes what the future of energy may look like between now and 2050.
As we begin to emerge from the initial impacts of COVID-19, the past year has reminded us all how much our decisions matter in response to global issues – and we’ve also seen how far we can adapt to major changes.
At COP26 in November, the world will be watching as national leaders come together to make firm commitments to tackle climate change – with many countries, including the UK, striving for net zero by 2050. FES 2021’s key messages explain some of the things we need to do now to get closer to that ambition.
Options to download the report and other key FES documents
About FES
With an ambitious target for net zero emissions by 2050, our energy system will need to transform rapidly while continuing to deliver reliability and value for consumers. We believe decarbonising energy is possible but also that it will be complex, not least because there are many ways to reach net zero, each with their own trade-offs.
Our Future Energy Scenarios (FES) outline four different, credible pathways for the future of energy between now and 2050. Each one considers how much energy we might need and where it could come from. The overall scenarios remain consistent with those in FES 2020 but the details within them are new for 2021 following extensive modelling, research and stakeholder engagement.
Our scenario framework
FES can be used can be used to inform network planning, investment decisions and government policy.
These are our four scenarios:
Learn more about the four scenarios and our journey to net zero