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International collaboration continues to power innovation in energy technologies
…collaboration among researchers and experts across countries has been a motor of innovation in energy technologies. By advancing our understanding of energy fundamentals, improving the efficiency and quality of existing processes and materials, and supporting the development of frontier technologies that strengthen the energy security and sustainability, this coordination has accelerated progress and shed new light on the implications of innovative technologies around the world.An understanding that energy technology innovation can play a key role in reducing the likelihood and severity of energy shocks led to the establishment of the IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme shortly after the Agency…
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Representatives of IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme gather in Paris to discuss strengthening international collaboration on energy innovation
Representatives of IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme gather in Paris to discuss strengthening international collaboration on energy innovation On 9 and 10 June 2026, the IEA hosted the sixth Universal Meeting for its Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) at the IEA’s headquarters in Paris, bringing together close to 80 representatives from the TCPs, governments and the Mission Innovation (MI) initiative.IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol delivered an address to participants on the implications of the current energy crisis for energy innovation, noting it could boost innovation efforts for key technologies, as was the case after the crises of the 1970s. The…
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New projects, partnerships and policies are needed to address supply chain risks for rare earth elements
New IEA report highlights growing mismatch between accelerating use of rare earths across a wide range of technologies and slow pace of supply diversification globally Rare earth elements are moving rapidly to the forefront of global policy making for energy, transport, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies as demand continues to expand while supply chains remain highly concentrated, according to a new IEA report developed to inform G7 discussions this year.The importance of the 17 rare earth elements that underpin a wide range of technologies – from electric vehicles and AI data centres to robotics and defence systems – has grown sharply…
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Delivering on the EU’s electrification ambitions
EU paper The EU has ambitious goals for electrification Electrification is a key pillar of the EU’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate strategy. Today, imported fuels account for around 60% of the EU’s total energy demand and cost the bloc EUR 380 billion in 2024. The risks associated with the EU’s reliance on fuel imports have been highlighted by recent market disruptions linked to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in the Middle East, bringing renewed attention to the EU’s target of increasing electrification from 24% today to 32% of…
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Policy and financing momentum sustain CCUS progress despite setbacks
CCUS Projects Database 2026 commentary Efforts to expand carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) took some important steps forward in 2025. Despite delays and cancellations in some areas, projects reached notable milestones in key markets, while growing financing provided further momentum.CCUS deployment in Europe saw a step-change as the world’s first dedicated carbon dioxide CO2 storage hub began operating in Norway. Major projects were also commissioned in China and North America, and the construction of new facilities began in eight countries worldwide. The newest annual update to the IEA’s CCUS Project Database – which incorporates developments between…
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The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient
…opportunity for the next phase of LED adoption – one that is focused on higher performance, longer lifetimes and smarter systems. Global LED adoption is moving at three speeds The global shift to LEDs has been strongly supported by government policies. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) – which now cover about 110 countries – and labelling schemes have been key drivers. Energy efficiency obligation schemes, such as white certificates and renovation programs, have also helped stimulate LED adoption. In addition, international agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with more than 150 Parties, are further accelerating the shift away from fluorescent lighting…
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Canada is set to play a leading role in supplying the world with responsibly produced critical minerals
Commentary Already a mining hub, Canada could play a big part in diversifying global mineral supply chains Since 2023, the IEA has been conducting Critical Mineral Reviews – in-depth country reviews of critical mineral policies and security that have served as part of the Agency’s pioneering work to ensure secure mineral supply chains. The latest Critical Minerals Review of Canada shows that at a time of increasing concentration risks, including from export controls by the dominant supplier, Canada has the potential to contribute to the development of secure, diversified and competitive global supply chains for critical minerals.Canada can…
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Designing an effective strategic stockpiling system for critical minerals
critical minerals 2025 was the year when the risks of highly concentrated critical minerals supply chains materialised at scale The IEA has long warned of the potential security risks associated with the high concentration of critical mineral supply chains. In 2025, these risks became a reality, marking a major turning point for global economic security. The rare earths export controls announced by China in October 2025 posed major national and economic security risks across the world, with potentially severe impacts for a range of strategic sectors including energy, automotive, defence, aerospace, AI and semiconductors. Earlier export controls introduced in April…
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Why the growth of energy service companies is uneven globally
ESCO The global annual ESCO market growth rate has more than doubled over the past five years Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective tools for enhancing energy security, reducing household energy bills and supporting countries’ efforts to reduce emissions. Energy service companies (ESCOs) – firms that develop and implement energy efficiency projects typically financed through verified energy savings – are playing a growing role in delivering energy efficiency improvements across buildings, industry and transport infrastructure worldwide. By integrating project development, financing and performance guarantees, ESCOs can offer a proven way to reduce upfront investment barriers and shift technical and…
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Businesses see competitive value of energy efficiency, but smaller firms struggle to access solutions
CEOs value energy efficiency, but SMEs struggle to benefit Energy efficiency is a strategic asset for industrial competitiveness. For companies facing tight margins, volatile energy prices and intensifying global competition, reducing energy waste is not only a cost-saving measure, but also a way to protect productivity, manage risk and strengthen their position in global markets. Yet not all firms have the same capacity to quickly improve their energy efficiency.New analysis of the 2025 IEA Industrial Competitiveness Survey – which covered 1 000 companies across 14 countries – shows that business leaders view energy efficiency as closely linked to their competitive performance…