What is the International Energy Agency?
What does the IEA do?
Who are the Member countries?
What are the goals?
What is the International Energy Agency?
The IEA (not to be confused with the IAEA in Vienna!) acts as
energy policy advisor for the governments of its 28 member countries
and beyond to promote reliable, affordable and clean energy for
the world’s consumers. It was founded during the oil crisis
of 1973-74, with a mandate to coordinate measures in times of oil
supply emergencies. This is still a core mission of the agency.
In 2005, when devastation to oil production and refining infrastructure
in the Gulf of Mexico by Hurricane Katrina became known, in 24
hours the IEA made 60 million barrels of emergency oil available
to the market. The IEA stood ready to take further measures as
the Gulf Coast was pounded a second time (Hurricane Rita). This
was the fourth time in its history that the IEA has been called
upon to be able to respond to international energy market crises.
With the evolution of the energy markets, the IEA mandate has
broadened. It now focuses well beyond oil crisis management. Energy
efficiency, climate protection, energy technology collaboration
and sharing its accumulated energy policy experience with the rest
of the world have become core Agency objectives. In July 2005,
the G8 leaders at the Gleneagles summit asked the IEA to provide
advice on strategies for a clean, secure and sustainable energy
future. The IEA meets this evolving mandate through the activities
of its offices and intensified international collaboration.
With a staff of around 150, mainly energy professionals from its
28 member countries, the IEA conducts a broad programme of energy
research, data collection and analysis, extensive publications
and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and
good practices. IEA publications are known world-wide for their
objectivity.
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What does the IEA do?
Emergency preparedness
IEA member countries hold oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net
oil imports and stand ready to take effective cooperative measures to meet
any oil supply emergency. These measures include stock draw, demand restraint,
fuel switching and surge production.
Oil markets
The IEA analysis of current oil market developments, together with forecasts
for up to 18 months forward, are published in the monthly Oil Market Report.
This benchmark publication adds to oil market transparency by assessing crude
oil supplies on a field-by-field basis, product-by-product demand together
with developments in OECD stocks, refinery activity and market prices. An
annual statistical supplement provides background details on the evolution
of oil market trends.
Long-term energy market trends
Through its flagship publication “World Energy Outlook” the IEA
provides analysis of longer-term energy market trends. In even-numbered years
the series adopts a scenario approach to project the possible evolution of
energy markets. In odd-numbered years it analyses a topical issue confronting
the energy sector. The 2005 edition concentrates on the Middle East and North
Africa’s crucial role in meeting the world’s future energy needs.
Country studies
The IEA advises its member countries on practices for achieving greater energy
diversity, how to save energy, how to address climate change and how to liberalise
the energy markets. Every four years the energy policies and practices of
each IEA country are reviewed by a committee of peers and recommendations
are provided to governments.
Relations with non-member countries
The IEA extends its energy policy experience to selected non-member countries
such as the major oil producing countries, Russia, India and China. The IEA
aims through its outreach to promote its objectives of increasing the availability
of affordable, reliable and clean energy throughout the world.
Energy technology
Promoting the development of safer, more efficient technologies is a major
goal of the IEA. The IEA has an extensive network of international collaboration
(“Implementing Agreements”) on new energy techno-logies. Non-member
countries and non-governmental organisations are encouraged to participate
as well as
IEA members.
Energy and environment
Energy production, transformation and consumption are major sources of the
greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Combating climate change
must therefore find much of its solutions in the energy sector. The IEA works
on policies and technologies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and encourages
member countries to use fossil fuels more cleanly and to promote no or low
carbon sources of energy.
Energy efficiency
In its whole range of activities, the IEA focuses on a more efficient use of
energy. In this respect, technology development, policy analysis and efficiency
indicators play crucial roles.
Energy diversification
IEA governments recognise that an efficient and secure energy sector is vital
for economic growth, international competitiveness and national prosperity.
The IEA advises member governments on key strategic policy issues affecting
energy market reform, particularly in relation to electricity and gas market
liberalisation. Key is the diversification of energy types and sources.
Energy statistics
The IEA has established itself over the years as perhaps the most authoritative
and comprehensive source of energy statistics. However, maintaining the high
calibre of its statistics to feed IEA internal work and to offer policy makers
and energy analysts a global coverage of the energy situation represents
a major challenge. The IEA has made this challenge a key priority. The challenge
includes the strengthening of the links with other international organisations
as in the case of the Joint Oil Data Initiative (JODI).
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Member Countries
The 28 member countries of the IEA are: Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg,
The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
All these countries are members of the OECD as the IEA is part
of the OECD family. The European Commission also participates in
the work of the IEA.
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Shared Goals
Energy security
Promote diversity, efficiency and flexibility within
the energy sectors of the IEA member countries.
Remain prepared collectively to respond to energy
emergencies. Expand international cooperation
with all global players in the energy markets.
Environmental protection
Enhance awareness of options for addressing
the climate change challenge. Promote greenhouse gas
emission abatement, through enhanced energy efficiency
and the use of cleaner fossil fuels. Develop more
environmentally acceptable energy options.
Economic growth
Ensure the stable supply of energy
to IEA member countries and promote free markets
in order to foster economic growth.
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