Forecasts and scenarios for global energy supply up to 2050. Synopsis of the approaches and results of studies published in 2023

The development of global energy supply in the coming decades is of outstanding interest for the strategic orientation of companies and governments as well as the positioning of international stakeholders. Accordingly, a number of institutions regularly present detailed analyzes of the prospects for energy consumption and its coverage. These include government-backed international organizations, energy companies, consulting firms and scientific institutes. The analyzes produced are characterized by differences in the methods followed and the assumptions made. A fundamental distinction must be made between forecasts and exploratory and normative scenarios. The approaches and results of the studies will be characterized if they were published in 2023. The future paths indicated in these studies are assigned to the categories mentioned. The wide range in the results achieved on the future development of primary energy consumption and electricity generation is explained - differentiated according to energy sources. Furthermore, common messages that can be derived from the studies are identified. This is particularly true with regard to compliance with the climate targets decided by the global community. Increasing electrification and increased use of hydrogen are identified as key technological drivers. For political support, the most globally harmonized pricing of CO${}_2$ as well as increased international cooperation are advocated.