But what type of energy will power our cars, start up our tablet computers or cook our dinner by the time your children are grandparents?
And for investors: will long-term returns be generated through investment in listed equities of companies engaged in the exploration, production and distribution of oil and gas, or will be other, so-called greener, energy sources that put smiles on faces?
This guide will examine the different ways to invest in companies engaged in the exploration, production and distribution of fossil fuels or renewable energy, the pros and cons of the different approaches that can be taken and tackle what advisers need to know to make sure they make the right recommendation to their clients.
Contributors to this guide are Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services; Adrian Lowcock, senior investment manager for Bristol-based Hargreaves Lansdown; Gavin Haynes, managing director of Whitechurch Securities; and Will Riley, co-manager of Guinness Global Energy fund.