Jacobs has published research highlighting a gap between available capital and the number of investable energy infrastructure projects. The survey found that 71% of energy leaders believe enough capital is available, but only 29% say there is both enough capital and enough investable projects.

The findings are based on a survey of 600 senior energy-sector decision-makers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore and Australia. Respondents included executives responsible for strategy, procurement, capital programmes and major project delivery.

Across the five markets, respondents identified a set of barriers limiting project delivery even where funding exists. These included permitting and consenting, regulatory and policy uncertainty, grid access, skills shortages, equipment availability and reliance on other infrastructure systems.

More than three-quarters of those surveyed said at least a quarter of major energy infrastructure projects are likely to face delays or cost overruns over the next three years. For 56% of respondents, permitting and consenting, along with regulatory and policy uncertainty, ranked as the biggest obstacles to building infrastructure quickly enough.

The research also underlined how energy projects depend on assets and systems outside a developer's direct control. Some 57% of energy leaders said the readiness of other infrastructure systems was a major or critical constraint on energy infrastructure delivery.

This is particularly relevant for projects that rely on transmission links, transport access, communications networks, water supply and multiple layers of approval. New generation projects can depend on network upgrades, while industrial facilities and large digital sites may require coordinated investment across several infrastructure sectors before they can proceed.

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