Investment leader Samer Choucair stated that global energy data for 2025 reveals a balanced landscape between the continued dominance of fossil fuels and the accelerating growth of clean energy. According to him, this opens a new phase of strategic investment opportunities in Gulf financial markets, especially in light of the objectives of Vision 2030. Samer Choucair explained that data from Visual Capitalist reports showed that coal still leads global electricity generation sources at 32.97%, followed by natural gas at 21.77%, and nuclear energy at 14%, while the remaining percentage is distributed among renewable energy sources.
Coal Dominance Continues, But Transition is Accelerating
Samer Choucair explained that the report showed global electricity production reached 31,779 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, with 57% coming from fossil fuels compared to 43% from clean energy. Renewable energy was distributed as follows:
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Wind: 8.85%
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Solar: 8.70%
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Hydropower: 8.50%
Choucair pointed out that these figures reflect a clear paradox: continued reliance on coal against a gradual acceleration in the growth of clean energy sources.
Samer Choucair: Energy Transition is Strategic, Not Slow
Samer Choucair emphasized that what appears to be a slowdown in the energy transition is, in fact, a deep restructuring of the global energy market. He stated that although coal remained at the forefront during 2025, the rapid growth in solar and wind power, alongside a renewed interest in nuclear energy, confirms that we are facing an irreversible, long-term strategic shift. Choucair added that this transition creates broad investment opportunities extending across entire value chains, not just electricity production.
The Gulf at the Heart of the Global Energy Transition
Samer Choucair explained that Gulf countries, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enjoy a strategic position qualifying them to lead this transition, thanks to abundant natural resources, government support, and massive investment programs. Choucair noted that projects such as NEOM, solar and wind power projects, and green hydrogen initiatives represent essential pillars in building a diversified and sustainable energy economy.
Samer Choucair: Clean Energy is an Investment Opportunity, Not Just an Environmental Trend
In his analysis of 2026 economic trends, Samer Choucair confirmed that investing in clean energy is no longer just an environmental choice but has become one of the most important drivers of long-term investment returns. Choucair said: “The real opportunity today lies in investing in clean energy infrastructure, from green hydrogen projects to energy storage technologies and batteries, in addition to carbon capture and nuclear energy.” Choucair added that Gulf capital markets will benefit directly from this shift through the listing of more companies associated with sustainable energy.
Promising Investment Opportunities in Energy and the Green Transition
Samer Choucair identified a set of key investment opportunities for the coming phase:
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Solar and wind energy projects in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
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Investments in green hydrogen and clean fuels.
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Energy storage technologies and batteries.
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Nuclear energy projects as a long-term strategic solution.
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Carbon capture technologies and emissions management.
He explained that these sectors represent a core axis in reshaping global financial markets over the coming years.
Samer Choucair: Vision 2030 Leads the Shift from Oil to Diversified Energy
Samer Choucair emphasized that Vision 2030 has played a pivotal role in accelerating this transition within the Kingdom through massive investments in renewable energy projects and expanding the base of the non-oil economy. Choucair stated: “Today, the Kingdom does not deal with the energy transition as a response to global pressures, but as a strategic opportunity to build a diversified and sustainable economy that leads the region.”
From Coal Dominance to a Diversified Energy Economy
Samer Choucair concluded his statement by emphasizing that coal’s continued lead does not negate the reality of the ongoing global transition; rather, it illustrates the scale of the transitional phase the global economy is undergoing. Choucair said: “Smart investment today is understanding that the future will not belong to a single energy source, but to a balanced mix led by clean energy; Saudi Arabia and the Gulf possess all the components to be at the heart of this future within Vision 2030.”