Jacobs Survey Finds Energy Capital Available but Investable Projects in Short Supply

A global survey by Jacobs has found that 71% of energy-sector leaders believe sufficient investment capital is available, but only 29% say there is both enough capital and enough investable infrastructure projects. Published on 27 October 2026, The Energy Readiness Equation examines the barriers preventing energy infrastructure development across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore and Australia.

Based on responses from 600 senior decision-makers, the research found that funding availability alone is insufficient to accelerate energy infrastructure delivery. Permitting delays, regulatory uncertainty, electricity grid limitations, supply chain pressures and dependencies on supporting infrastructure are constraining the development of projects needed to meet rising energy demand.

 

Capital Availability Outpaces Energy Project Readiness

 

Although 71% of respondents believe sufficient capital is available, 43% specifically report having adequate capital but too few investable projects. More than three-quarters of surveyed leaders expect at least 25% of their major energy infrastructure projects to face risks of delays or cost overruns during the next three years.

Regulatory and permitting barriers remain particularly significant, with 56% of respondents identifying permitting, consenting and policy uncertainty as major obstacles to faster infrastructure delivery. Fiachra Ó Cléirigh, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, said, "The capital is there, but getting the conditions around a project to line up can be harder." The findings indicate that resolving development constraints could be as important as attracting additional investment.

 

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Infrastructure Dependencies Create Different Challenges Across Markets

 

The survey found that 57% of energy leaders consider infrastructure outside their direct control a major or critical constraint. New electricity generation projects depend on transmission networks, while industrial facilities and data centers require coordinated access to power, water, communications and transport infrastructure.

These constraints vary by country. In the US, 80% of respondents ranked permitting among their three biggest delivery barriers, while 59% in the UK identified grid readiness as a major challenge. In Germany, 84% expected at least a quarter of major projects to face delivery risks, with 68% citing supply chain disruption. Singapore reported particularly strong infrastructure dependencies, with 67% identifying them as major or critical constraints. In Australia, 49% reported sufficient capital but a shortage of investable projects, while 61% highlighted dependencies on other infrastructure systems.

 

Energy Infrastructure Resilience Remains Underdeveloped

 

The research also identified a gap between confidence in existing infrastructure and the integration of resilience into long-term planning. Almost 95% of respondents expressed some or strong confidence that their critical assets would continue operating during a major disruption, but only 36% said resilience was embedded in their planning and decision-making processes.

This distinction matters as energy systems face growing pressure from extreme weather, aging infrastructure, electrification, and rising electricity demand. The report suggests that maintaining reliable energy supply will require earlier assessment of infrastructure dependencies, alongside stronger coordination between project developers, network operators and regulatory authorities.

 

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Coordinated Planning Becomes Central to Energy Infrastructure Delivery

 

Jacobs argues that improving project readiness requires closer cooperation between investors, governments, regulators, infrastructure operators and major energy users. Identifying permitting, grid connection, equipment, and workforce constraints earlier in project development could help reduce uncertainty and improve delivery schedules.

Patrick Hill, President of Global Operations at Jacobs, said, "There is no single organization, sector or geography with all the answers to the energy security challenge, but there is a lot we can learn from one another." The findings highlight the importance of addressing infrastructure dependencies alongside financing, particularly as countries expand electricity networks and develop energy infrastructure to support decarbonization and economic growth.

 

Source: Jacobs