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Copper prices have hit record highs, but smelters face mounting strategic pressures
…market – strong structural demand growth and elevated prices – may be good news for producers. However, today’s situation is unusual in that the crucial midstream sector is showing increasing signs of stress, amid a surge in smelter capacity additions in China. Copper is set to face a major supply deficit of 30% by 2035 Copper – a highly conductive metal that is resistant to corrosion – is at the heart of a more electrified energy system. As the world enters an Age of Electricity, strong demand growth for copper is anticipated from a wide variety of sources, including grids, electric vehicles, construction…
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Sodium-ion battery momentum grows, but challenges remain
…advances and investment announcements suggest that this dynamic is starting to change. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, released its second-generation sodium-ion batteries and has confirmed plans for their commercial-scale deployment across multiple sectors starting in 2026. BYD, the second largest producer, began construction of its first sodium-ion battery plant in January 2024, targeting applications in electric vehicles, grid-scale storage and industry. Hina, a smaller Chinese battery manufacturer and the first to power an electric vehicle using sodium‑ion batteries, also released an advanced sodium‑ion battery designed for electric cars last year.These investments are…
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World Energy Investment 2026
Background information World Energy Investment is the global benchmark for tracking investment trends across the energy sector. The report will present the latest data on capital flows to different types of energy projects, as well as the first set of full-year estimates for 2026.As energy security concerns continue to shape investment priorities, this year’s report will explore the potential implications for different sectors and regions, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The 2026 edition will highlight major investment milestones and opportunities from different energy sectors and regions. It…
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World Energy Investment 2026 Technical Webinar: Sector Specific Findings
The annual World Energy Investment report is the IEA’s flagship publication tracking investment trends across the energy sector. The report presents the latest data on capital flows to different types of energy projects, as well as the first set of full-year estimates for 2026.As energy security concerns continue to shape investment priorities, this year’s report explores the potential implications for different sectors and regions, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The report's major takeaways will be presented to stakeholders in two separate webinar events, on…
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World Energy Investment 2026 Technical Webinar: Regional Insights
The annual World Energy Investment report is the IEA’s flagship publication tracking investment trends across the energy sector. The report presents the latest data on capital flows to different types of energy projects, as well as the first set of full-year estimates for 2026.As energy security concerns continue to shape investment priorities, this year’s report explores the potential implications for different sectors and regions, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The report's major takeaways will be presented to stakeholders in two separate webinar events, on…
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New podcast episode explores how energy crisis is shaping investment trends
…Energy podcast looks at how the current international energy crisis – the second in five years – is reshaping and reinforcing key energy investment trends around the world.In the episode, which is available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, IEA experts Kirsten Smith and Cecilia Tam dive into key findings from the recent World Energy Investment 2026 report. As energy security concerns intensify – and with many countries increasingly looking to meet demand with domestic energy sources – they discuss the implications across different sectors, including oil, gas, coal, nuclear, renewables and electricity. They also speak about how investment in energy efficiency is evolving and how the…
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How the energy crisis is reshaping investment
As the energy crisis caused by disruptions to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz continues to unfold, how is it shifting energy investment priorities around the world? In this episode, two IEA experts – Energy Investment Unit head Cecilia Tam and energy investment analyst Kirsten Smith – dig into this question based on new insights from the World Energy Investment 2026 report. With energy security concerns front and centre – and with many countries increasingly looking to meet demand with domestic energy sources – they discuss the implications across different sectors, including oil, gas, coal, nuclear, renewables and electricity. They also…
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Impacts of Middle East conflict set to reshape energy investment plans as disruptions put focus on security
…2026, falling below $500 billion. The report finds that uncertainty over the duration of the price spike, long project lead times, supply chain constraints and tighter offshore rig markets are limiting near-term spending responses outside the Middle East. At the same time, natural gas investment is projected to rise to $330 billion, the highest level in a decade, supported by a wave of new LNG export projects, particularly in the United States and Qatar. In this episode of the IEA's Everything Energy podcast, IEA experts Cecilia Tam and Kirsten Smith share key findings from the World Energy Investment…
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New podcast episode explores future of energy security with Singapore and Morocco’s energy ministers
…the IEA’s 2026 Ministerial Meeting, they discuss the fast-evolving energy security challenges facing their countries and the measures they are taking to tackle them. IEA Chief Energy Economist Tim Gould also joins the episode to highlight key findings from the recent World Energy Outlook 2025, which explores the potential implications of a shifting and multifaceted energy security context for decision-makers worldwide.The Everything Energy podcast offers fresh perspectives on a wide range of leading global energy issues.Previous episodes cover the vast potential of geothermal energy, nuclear energy’s comeback, energy and AI, key energy investment trends, the…
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New podcast episode examines the energy world on the eve of the current crisis
…IEA energy analyst Alex Martinos – one of the lead authors of the Global Energy Review 2026, which provides a comprehensive assessment of global energy trends in 2025. He highlights important developments across fuels, technologies, the electricity sector and emissions last year, along with the potential implications for the current energy context.The Everything Energy podcast offers insights and perspectives from the IEA on leading global energy issues. In recent episodes, IEA experts have unpacked a number of angles related to the energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East – including cooking fuel shortages, how it is reshaping energy investment…