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Solar power's next shining
article

Solar power's next shining

April 2012–After a boom seemed headed for a bust, stable and expansive growth is on the horizon.more

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Daniel Yergin on the future of global energy
article

Daniel Yergin on the future of global energy

March 2012—The Pulitzer Prize–winning author and global energy expert sees rising demand from the East spurring innovation.more

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Battery technology charges ahead
article | McKinsey Quarterly

Battery technology charges ahead

July 2012—New research suggests that the price of lithium-ion batteries could fall dramatically by 2020, creating conditions for the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles in some markets.more

Recharging Chinas electric-vehicle aspirations
article

Recharging China’s electric-vehicle aspirations

July 2012—Despite setbacks, the country’s strategy for building an electric-vehicle industry could still get back on track.more

Another oil shock
article | McKinsey Quarterly

Another oil shock?

November 2011—It’s possible, though far from certain, that oil prices will spike in the years ahead. Here’s why—and how you can prepare. more

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A new era for commodities
article | McKinsey Quarterly

A new era for commodities

November 2011—Cheap resources underpinned economic growth for much of the 20th century. The 21st will be different.more

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The path to improved returns in materials commercialization
article

The path to improved returns in materials commercialization

August 2012—Six failure modes bedevil chemical companies when it comes to commercialization of new products and materials. Companies that deploy the right capabilities can dramatically speed up times to launch and to achieving meaningful revenues. more

Exploring global energy demand
article

Exploring global energy demand

June 2009—An interactive graphic examines the growth of global energy and petroleum demand based on scenarios accounting for GDP and other factors, including the potential reduction in demand through increased energy productivity.more

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Mobilizing for a resource revolutionspecial package | McKinsey Quarterly

Managing the resource revolution

January 2012—The rise of three billion new middle class consumers over the next 25 years will strain the planet’s natural resources. This package explores the implications.

McKinsey conversations with global leaders Andrew Gould of Schlumberger
interview

McKinsey conversations with global leaders: Andrew Gould of Schlumberger

April 2010—Schlumberger’s CEO reflects on the future of oil, the importance of investing in R&D, and the lessons he’s learned about leading a borderless company.more

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Unlocking energy efficiency in the U.S. economy
report

Unlocking energy efficiency in the US economy

July 2009–This report offers a detailed analysis of the magnitude of the efficiency potential in non-transportation uses of energy, a thorough assessment of what impedes the capture of greater efficiency, and an outline of the practical solutions available to unlock the potential.more

CO2 abatement Exploring options for oil and natural gas companies
article

CO2 abatement: Exploring options for oil and natural gas companies

February 2010—Oil and natural gas companies play a central role in CO2 emissions. How can the industry meet the challenge from climate change regulations?more

Chemicals changing competitive landscape
article

Chemicals’ changing competitive landscape

May 2011—High energy prices and the global economy’s eastward shift are changing the formula for success. Newcomers must build capabilities, and incumbents must sharpen value propositions.more

Innovation in chemicals An interview with Dow Cornings CEO and CTO
interview

Innovation in chemicals: An interview with Dow Corning’s CEO and CTO

May 2011—Dow Corning’s Stephanie Burns and Gregg Zank talk about successful approaches to new-product and business-model innovation. more

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About this content

The material on this page draws on the research and experience of McKinsey consultants and other sources. To learn more about our expertise, please visit the Electric Power & Natural Gas Practice, Sustainability & Resource Productivity Practice.