Supporting investment to power the future of energy
January 9, 2026
By Chris Fasser and Alexander Keel
Access to reliable, affordable and secure energy is rapidly becoming a key risk for organizations worldwide. The swift increase in energy demand—driven by the rise of AI, data center buildouts by hyperscalers, and the ongoing electrification of everything from autos to wearables—will push existing supply and power grids to their limits. Simultaneously, cost-of-living crises and inflationary pressures worldwide are making energy affordability a central concern for citizens and governments. Several years of geopolitical unrest have heightened focus on energy security, especially as infrastructure and supply chains face increasing threats from malicious actors.
This global, triple-pronged goal of achieving energy reliability, affordability, and security underscores the importance of investing in new, sustainable power generation sources, improving efficiency in existing and emerging technologies, and expanding transmission infrastructure. These efforts present significant opportunities for investors and lenders seeking to deploy capital in this space, as the number and diversity of new projects required to meet these objectives continues to grow rapidly.
The urgency and opportunity of future energy
Despite geopolitical and policy headwinds, private capital continues to flow into the future energy sector, underscoring its status as a compelling long-term investment opportunity. Notable fundraises, such as Brookfield’s $20 billion for its Global Transition Fund II and ’ increased capital, demonstrate sustained confidence among investors. According to , annual investments of approximately $5.6 trillion over the next five years will be needed to realize the potential of this sector.
This surge in investment aims to expand energy production capacity, enhance grid infrastructure, and develop innovative technologies. However, the path to a sustainable energy future is fraught with risks that can hinder project development and funding if not effectively managed.
In this dynamic environment—characterized by technological innovation, deployment challenges, and the capital-intensive nature of large-scale infrastructure—effective risk management and mitigation are crucial for unlocking the necessary capital. A solid risk management approach will ensure that future energy investments and operations can be maintained over the long term.
Navigating the risks of future energy
Private capital providers face several key risks in energy projects:
- Credit risk: Large upfront investments by sponsors are often complemented by medium to long-term lending by lenders to these projects. Underlined project risks involve lengthy planning, permitting, and construction phases, increasing the importance of robust credit risk assessment by these lenders.
- Interconnection and offtake risk: Uncertainties around grid connection and offtake commitments can impact project revenue streams.
- Technology risk: Early-stage renewable technologies may not perform as expected at scale, posing significant deployment risks.
- Transaction liability/M&A: Mergers, acquisitions, and project transfers require diligence to ensure asset integrity and protect investor interests.
- Environmental liability: Projects must manage environmental risks, including compliance with evolving regulations and potential remediation costs.
Additionally, project sponsors and financiers need assurance of comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the project lifecycle—from construction to decommissioning—to safeguard investments and optimize returns.
The path to a sustainable energy future is fraught with risks that can hinder project development and funding if not effectively managed.
The role of insurance in unlocking capital
Strategic insurance solutions are vital in mitigating these risks, enhancing project bankability, and boosting investor confidence. 九色视频has dedicated expertise in understanding the unique challenges of energy projects. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to develop tailored risk management strategies.
Our offerings include:

Commercial bonds in future energy projects
Our Commercial Bond team provides surety bonds that underpin the development and operation of energy projects. These bonds—covering decommissioning, interconnection, power purchase agreements, supply obligations, and permits—are instrumental in freeing up capital and reducing project execution risks. For example, bonds during the early development phase help utilities and developers secure permits and grid access, while performance bonds ensure contractual obligations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
The team focuses on partnering with well-capitalized developers experienced in delivering energy projects. They extend surety bond capacity during the early development stages for critical obligations such as Interconnection Agreements and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Interconnection agreements are made with utilities to connect the power generation facility to the grid, securing the project’s place in the interconnection queue—an essential step for when the facility comes online to deliver power to customers. PPAs, signed with utilities or other large consumers such as data centers, are vital contracts that project owners typically need to secure financing.
Beyond project developers, the team also collaborates with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and installation contractors. OEMs may sign agreements with customers requiring upfront payments for materials, for which they may post Advance Payment Bonds as security. They may also be required to provide Supply Bonds to guarantee performance of their contractual obligations. Installation contractors—responsible for installing energy sources like solar, wind, or battery storage, as well as transmission and distribution infrastructure—are often asked to post Performance and Payment Bonds. These bonds guarantee the completion of their scope of work, ensuring timely and quality installation, which is crucial for maintaining project schedules and budget.
These bonds collectively help streamline project development, mitigate risks, and attract investment—playing a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment of clean energy infrastructure worldwide.
Strategic risk mitigation through innovative insurance solutions become more critical than ever as the world experiences a complex landscape of technological, geopolitical, and financial challenges. AXA XL’s tailored approach to managing project-specific risks fosters greater confidence among investors, lenders, and project sponsors, playing a vital role in unlocking the substantial capital needed to build a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future. By continuing to develop and refine these risk management strategies, we can help ensure that the global adoption of future energy sources remains resilient, efficient, and ultimately successful in meeting the world’s urgent energy needs.
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