Integrated Energy Planning in Uncertain Times.

DeCotis, Paul. (April 2025). “Integrated Energy Planning in Uncertain Times.” Climate and Energy Journal. Vol. 41 No. 9, ©2025. Wiley Periodicals, LLC. a Wiley company.

Abstract: Integrated energy planning as referenced in this Column considers the interdependencies among and between energy resources and the infrastructures necessary to bring energy to market. This includes fuel-switching, transitioning end-use equipment and appliances from fossil-fuel use to electricity in buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors. Investment opportunities abound for all forms of energy and infrastructure in today’s market, as demand for energy continues to grow—particularly for electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, and power generation. Return on investment among energy and technology choices remains a key determinant in capital investment decision making. Nonetheless, risks and uncertainty and shifting political and policy priorities— including regulatory and geopolitical—will remain a key factor in determining where investment dollars flow. While the amount of data and information and access to markets, which are necessary to make informed decisions, will never be complete, risk adverse investors are focusing more on areas of familiarity with a more local flavor where risk and uncertainty are deemed more knowable and manageable.