Emerging Markets: Key to Global Energy Prices and Low-Carbon Targets
Currently, emerging countries lack access to energy compared to developed nations. Per capita electricity generation in these regions is 100 times lower than in the wealthiest countries globally (according to OWID 2023). This reliance on importing energy generated elsewhere means emerging markets are more vulnerable to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. However, the share of developing countries' energy consumption has increased by around 30% over the last 15 years.
This increased consumption makes developing countries more sensitive to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices as they procure more energy than they generate. Therefore, achieving greater energy resilience in emerging markets is crucial to mitigating the impact of these price fluctuations.
How Economic Growth in Emerging Markets Affects Energy Supply and Global Energy Strategies
One key strategy for emerging markets is to invest more heavily in green energy methods. This will increase their energy security, reduce reliance on other producing countries, help meet net-zero targets, and provide more carbon-offsetting opportunities for developed markets.
Increase Energy Security
Many emerging markets rely heavily on other producing countries for their energy supply, which may fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions. By investing in green energy technology, emerging markets can reduce this reliance and produce renewable sources. This will lessen the influence of producing countries during periods of geopolitical tension, thus stabilising global energy prices.
Meet Net-Zero Targets
Emerging markets can reduce the financial penalties associated with impending energy targets by increasing renewable energy generation. Developing renewable energy resources reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers the overall carbon footprint, and avoids high-carbon emission-related penalties.
Increase Carbon Offsetting Opportunities
Energy transition in emerging markets benefits both these regions and developed countries. More renewable projects in emerging markets mean more carbon-offsetting projects for developed nations to invest in. This often involves businesses from developed countries investing in environmental projects in developing nations to offset their carbon emissions, thereby bolstering emerging markets economies.
Future Trends: The Growing Influence of Emerging Economies and New Energy Sources
The energy transition of emerging markets is a high priority at global political meetings, including the World Economic Forum this year.
World Economic Forum 2024
The Network to Mobilise Clean Energy Investment for the Global South was launched at the World Economic Forum 2024 annual meeting. This initiative aims to increase investment in green energy in emerging markets, involving over 20 CEOs and ministers globally from countries including Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Kenya, and South Africa.
Emerging Economies and Energy Financing
Investment in emerging markets is currently insufficient to finance energy transformation in many regions. More investment opportunities are needed to achieve energy security in these markets. Increased investment benefits the energy market by reducing reliance on fossil fuels from politically unstable regions.
Procurement of Renewable Technology
Countries rich in minerals and materials used to create renewable technology, like solar panels, can restrict the components required to build renewable plants. This can prevent emerging markets from achieving energy security, as they are unable to construct power plants to generate the necessary energy.
Case Study: Companies in Emerging Markets Changing the Energy Landscape - Tech Mahindra, India
Investing in new renewable technology to meet emerging nations' energy needs is vital. However, it’s also important to highlight companies enabling energy transition in emerging markets without huge infrastructure costs. Tech Mahindra helps businesses in emerging regions utilise green energy solutions by accessing the IoT to connect them to relevant, sustainable services.
Based in India, Tech Mahindra is an IT and software solutions company operating in the logistics, manufacturing, financial, and telecom industries. It helps clients reduce carbon emissions by providing remote searches or migrating data services to the cloud. Tech Mahindra also assists clients in measuring and acting on their carbon footprint.
Tech Mahindra offers smart services managed via IoT, such as Smart Street Lights, Smart Waste Management Systems, and Smart Meters. These services, managed through a smart city portal, help businesses improve energy consumption and waste management. Tech Mahindra has also launched an IoT-based Connected Solar Plants solution that remotely links plants globally. This solution forecasts production and auditing, monitors substation health, and reports on energy production in real time.
In summary, emerging markets are playing an increasingly significant role in global energy demand. Their reliance on imported energy makes them vulnerable to price fluctuations, but investing in green energy can enhance their energy security, meet net-zero targets, and create carbon-offsetting opportunities. Initiatives like the Network to Mobilise Clean Energy Investment for the Global South and innovative companies like Tech Mahindra are crucial for driving this transition. By focusing on renewable energy and improving energy resilience, emerging markets can contribute to a more stable and sustainable global energy landscape.
