ARC ENERGY IDEAS Rob West’s Top Energy Themes for 2026 + Your Doomsday Power Backup Plan
Jan 20, 2026
Rob West, founder and CEO of Thunder Said Energy, shares his insights on energy trends leading to 2026. He discusses the possible shift in focus from net zero ambitions to power security and AI, alongside a bullish outlook for LNG demand driven by rising coal costs. Rob explores the potential growth in global oil demand, the increasing need for grid-enhancing technologies, and the role of electrification in meeting rising electricity loads. Additionally, he evaluates backup power options for home outages, comparing costs and effectiveness.
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Net‑Zero Momentum Shifts To Power Security
- Rob says the net-zero momentum has shifted toward power security and AI-driven load growth.
- He argues priorities now favor resilience and enabling AI over high-cost decarbonization programs.
AI And Robotics Reframe Energy Priorities
- Rob observes attention and investment are moving from net zero to AI, autonomy and robotics.
- He notes many automakers have dialed back EV ambitions while ramping autonomy efforts.
Don't Build CCS Without Buyers
- Treat CCS like any major project and only proceed with credible, contracted buyers.
- Avoid building expensive CCS capacity without long‑term offtake or clear economics at $200–$300/ton CO2.