• See all related Press Releases
• See all related Speeches

Modelling of scenarios is showing how targeted policies and introduction of enhanced energy technologies can affect the economy, consumption of energy and CO2 emissions in countries around the world. How much can technologies and policies contribute to securing energy supplies and lower CO2 emissions? Which are the most promising? How long will it take? The G8 called upon the IEA to advise. Energy Technology Perspectives 2006 and World Energy Outlook 2006 form part of the IEA’s response.

In its annual World Energy Outlook 2006, the IEA presents an Alternative Policy Scenario to address energy security and environmental concerns. Based on the detailed analysis of over 1400 policies and measures covering all regions and countries of the world, the Alternative Policy Scenario offers practical guidance to decision makers about policy effectiveness as well as the energy, environmental and economic consequences of the policy options they are currently considering.

The Energy Technology Perspectives 2006 demonstrates how energy technologies can make a difference in global scenarios to 2050. It reviews in detail the status and prospects of key energy technologies. It assesses ways the world can enhance energy security and contain growth in CO2 emissions. While technology does hold great promise for the future, we must act now if we are to unlock the potential of technologies and reduce the impact of fossil fuel dependence on energy security and the environment. Energy Technology Perspectives provides detailed technology and policy insights to help policy-makers craft sustainable solutions.

• In-depth indicators will provide “state-of-the-art” data and analysis on energy use, efficiency developments and policy pointers;
• Construction of the world’s leading database on efficiency codes and standards for buildings, appliances and surface transport will pinpoint lessons learned and best practice for varying situations and climates; and
• For industry, an authoritative, comprehensive overview of existing and potential efficiency performance will identify areas where intensified efforts could add value in both industrialised and developing countries.

Energy Indicators

The IEA has developed a methodology for assessing how economic and technical driving factors, such as energy prices, GDP and new technologies, shape energy use and ultimately CO2 emissions. The methodology combines data on energy use with data describing activities that drive energy demand to form selected energy indicators for the different sectors of the economy. These indicators are now being applied as energy policy tools in the majority of IEA Member countries. The IEA’s work on energy indicators has resulted in two publications: Oil Crises & Climate Challenges: 30 years of Energy use in IEA countries and Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies. The IEA is working to expand the use of energy indicators to key non-member countries, especially China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and Mexico. Promoting the use of common methodology for data collection and indicator development will ensure that IEA’s current indicator database can be updated to cover close to all OECD countries and important non member countries.

Focusing on capacity building and provision of high quality information to all stakeholders, this task will aim to broaden awareness of best practices. It will support integration of clean coal technologies into planning processes for new power plants and the retrofit of existing plants in key non-IEA countries using coal for electricity generation. Read more...

Bringing together IEA experts and the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, this project will catalyse moves towards incorporating technology for CO2 capture and storage into power plants. Read more...

Continued development and commercialisation of renewable energy will be promoted through IEA’s international collaborative R&D programmes (Implementing Agreements). A dedicated international group of experts from IEA and non-IEA countries will speed development of common technical and policy approaches to integrating intermittent renewable energy into electricity grids.

G8 leaders invited IEA to help activate dynamic worldwide networks for energy technology research and development. Building on its existing “Implementing Agreement” programmes, the IEA is linking with the international business community, with policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders in many countries. It is working to enhance awareness of existing research, development and deployment networks and to facilitate broader participation. For this purpose the IEA has created the NEET Initiative (Networks of Expertise in Energy Technology). As part of the dialogue, the NEET team is planning workshops and high-profile presence at major international events between mid-2006 and 2008. Read (more) about the NEET Initiative.

Read the OPEN Energy Technology Bulletin