• Country

        New Zealand

        …significant production of both hydropower and geothermal. As the country embarks on an ambitious energy transition, it has many natural advantages, including a strong renewable resource base. New Zealand already has a low-emissions electricity system, with over 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources. The key challenge will be to decarbonise other end-use sectors through clean power and support investments in new technologies to achieve deeper emissions cuts across all sectors. Notably, the transport sector accounts for the highest share of emissions and is almost entirely dependent on oil while industry is also heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

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        • Country

        France

        …after the United States. As an early leader in setting out an ambitious energy transition, France legislated a net zero emissions target for 2050 in its 2019 Energy and Climate Act and aims at reducing by 55% its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. A national low-carbon strategy with 5-year carbon budgets and a multiannual plan for energy investments implement the long-term target.
        Acknowledging the need to maintain electricity security in the longer term and a low-carbon footprint France invests in efficiency, six new nuclear power plants and renewable energy, notably offshore wind, while enhancing flexible power…

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        • Country

        Latvia

        …total greenhouse gas emissions (without land use, land-use change and forestry) by 65% from 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050. It has made inroads on the share of renewable energy in its fuel mix, with sizeable shares of bioenergy and hydropower.
        Renewable energy sources dominate its electricity mix, in particular, accounting for around three-quarters of domestic generation. Other sectors, notably transport and buildings, continue to consume large amounts of energy and rely on dated infrastructure that hinders stronger reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, energy efficiency and fuel switching in…

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        • Country

        Ireland

        …and targets to reach net zero by 2050 and 80% of renewable electricity generation by 2030, but now their implementation needs to accelerate. Natural gas will remain an important part of the energy mix at least until the mid-2030s, especially to meet peak electricity demand, but offshore renewable energy will become the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy transition beyond 2030. Given Ireland’s current exclusive reliance on energy imports from the United Kingdom, energy security is a major concern to the government while transitioning to a (variable) renewables-based energy system and advancing the electrification of the heating and…

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        • Country

        South Africa

        …In recent polling conducted by the Department of Energy, three-quarters of South Africans stated that the priority for government energy policy should be to keep electricity prices low: economic considerations outweighed other priorities by a considerable margin. Regarding the future fuel mix, nearly a third of respondents agreed with the statement: “it does not matter which source, as long as it is the cheapest”. But a quarter of respondents explicitly supported renewable energy sources, with a further 14% placing emphasis on sources that are not damaging to the environment.
        The government will face complex choices as it pursues its…

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        • Country

        Luxembourg

        Luxembourg has a fossil fuel intensive energy mix driven by a high demand for transportation fuels, notably from transiting freight trucks and commuters. Despite this demand, the country is committed to reducing emissions. Its climate law sets targets for a 55% emission reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality target by 2050. The government has adopted numerous measures to push for energy transition, including a carbon tax which was introduced in 2020 and encouraging renewable generation through subsidies and auctions. Several programmes also support energy efficiency in buildings, industry and transportation, with a target for 49% of all passenger cars to…

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        • Country

        United Kingdom

        The United Kingdom has been an early player in the energy transition, being among the first countries to set a net zero target by 2050 and to put in place carbon budgets. UK emissions have already fallen by around 50% since 1990, indicating a strong start. Looking ahead, an important pillar of the energy transition will be decarbonising the power sector through sizeable new investments in renewables and nuclear while also focusing on new technologies such as CCUS, hydrogen and small modular reactors. As a historic oil and gas producer, the UK is looking to address declining North Sea production…

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        • Country

        China

        …The government is pushing for emissions reductions and improved air quality by switching to gas in industrial and residential sectors, but China’s coal fleet is young, highly efficient and still ten times larger than its gas-fired fleet. At the prevailing gas prices, new onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) are much cheaper ways to generate electricity than new combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs). Under these circumstances, the major contribution of gas-fired generation to displacing coal is likely to be an indirect one, by aiding the integration of renewables.
        The policy challenge is to ensure sufficient investment in…

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        • Country

        Estonia

        Estonia has achieved a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions thanks mainly to lowering its reliance on electricity generation from domestic oil shale, an energy rich sedimentary rock. However, oil shale remains the main energy source and imported fossil fuels still plan a major role, especially in transport. Estonia’s forests, which historically offset significant greenhouse gas emissions, have become a net emissions source. Estonia is aiming to accelerate its clean energy transition with a target to cover 100% of annual electricity demand with renewables by 2030 as part of a larger package to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It…

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        • Country

        Denmark

        Denmark has been an early leader in decarbonisation and in 2022 the government announced a net zero by 2045 target, aiming at 110% emissions reductions by 2050. Denmark’s technology leadership is important in the areas of offshore wind, biomethane and district heating. The government has expanded these categories to adopt a strategic focus on carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen. The government has a robust energy and climate governance under the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and ‘the year wheel’ of Climate Act of 2020 ensures annual policy actions and funding. Among IEA countries, Denmark has…

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