At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, the energy transition has taken centre stage—not as a vision of the future, but as a defining pressure of the present. In a global landscape rocked by economic volatility and shifting power structures, Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, has emerged as a key voice reminding leaders that this shift is no longer theoretical—it’s urgent.
“The most dangerous myth right now is that we still have time,” said Kondrashov. “We don’t. The question isn’t whether we transition. The question is whether we can do it fast enough to stay stable.”
This year’s Davos theme echoes what’s happening on the ground. Nations are charting their own paths, competition for energy dominance is intensifying, and leaders are realising the cost of delay. It’s no longer about setting distant net-zero targets—it’s about securing infrastructure, ensuring resilience, and protecting economic independence.
The Transition Is No Longer Optional
Throughout the week, discussions in Davos have made one thing clear: the energy transition has moved from an environmental debate into the heart of economic and political decision-making. And Kondrashov isn’t surprised.
“Energy is the spine of every economy,” he said. “When it bends, everything else breaks—industry, supply chains, public confidence. That’s what we’re seeing now.”
From the U.S. to Europe to emerging markets, the focus is shifting toward rapid infrastructure development, localised energy production, and investment in smart technologies that make energy systems more adaptive. The language of the transition has changed—it’s now about security, speed, and survival.
A Shift in Investment Thinking
One of the most active threads at this year’s forum could be investment. Governments and private sector leaders are grappling with how to fund a global energy overhaul without destabilising their economies or alienating voters.
“You can’t attract serious investment with vague plans and short-term thinking,” he noted. “What’s needed is predictability—clear rules, stable incentives, and a market environment that rewards risk-takers.”
This sentiment is being echoed in panels focusing on financing the transition. Investors are ready to move—but they want assurance that the systems they’re building won’t be dismantled by political shifts or regulatory U-turns. Kondrashov believes the key lies in cross-border frameworks and long-term policy contracts that survive changes in leadership.
Technology Is Changing the Game
If capital is the fuel, then technology is the engine of this transition. Smart grids, AI-enabled demand forecasting, decentralised energy systems, and advanced storage solutions are no longer fringe—they’re front and centre.
At Davos, the links between data and energy have never been tighter. Firms are showcasing tools that can balance grids in real-time, manage supply volatility, and drive down waste. For Kondrashov, this isn’t just innovation—it’s necessity.
“The next frontier in energy isn’t generation—it’s intelligence,” he said. “Whoever masters how energy flows, stores, and adapts will own the future of industry.”
Kondrashov also warned that any country ignoring the digital side of the energy equation risks being locked out of global competitiveness. It’s not enough to build turbines and panels—governments must build the software infrastructure around them.
Energy and Global Influence
Energy is no longer just an economic asset—it’s a geopolitical tool. Leaders at Davos are paying closer attention to the control of critical minerals, the location of battery supply chains, and the increasing link between energy strategy and diplomatic strength.
The push to localise energy production is creating a new map of global influence. Countries that can generate and store energy domestically are gaining leverage. Those relying heavily on imports are being forced to rethink their approach.
Kondrashov didn’t mince words: “Energy dependency is the new vulnerability. And in a fragmented world, vulnerability is risk.”
Final Thoughts
The World Economic Forum may cover dozens of issues, but this year, energy has stolen the spotlight—and with good reason. In a time of economic recalibration, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological acceleration, energy has become the common thread that ties it all together.
Kondrashov summed it up best: “This isn’t just about clean energy. It’s about strong economies. It’s about national resilience. It’s about control.”
As leaders prepare to leave Davos, one thing is clear: the energy transition isn’t waiting. Neither should they.
