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Energy Efficiency in China’s Buildings Sector
…progress in achieving them. Regulation for new buildings in China, such as building codes, is relatively strong. However, as the rate of construction is slowing, policy priorities are shifting towards retrofitting existing buildings. Here, the IEA estimates that through strong policy action and best-in-class technology, China could reduce energy consumption by up to 65% in buildings constructed between 1995 and 2010, representing energy savings of over 8 000 Petajoules.The report includes examples from across China and the world on leading regulatory instruments, financial incentives, and information-based tools that can drive energy efficiency in the buildings sector.
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China’s Official Energy Finance in Emerging and Developing Economies
…linked to uneven availability of concessional or long-tenor finance.This report maps and analyses these changes through an energy sector-level dataset covering 2015 to 2024. It explores how China’s evolving financing model is reshaping instruments, institutions and regional allocation patterns, and also considers the strategic and practical implications for EMDE energy transitions.The analysis is complemented by case studies covering a range of technologies and financial structures – from large-scale renewables and electricity distribution to green industrial projects, waste-to-energy and upstream developments – which show how China’s official actors operate in practice across contrasting markets…
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Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
From peak management to efficient system operation This report has been developed as part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) initiative to examine the growing importance of demand flexibility in electricity systems amid rising demand, increased renewable energy integration and the electrification of power systems. Case studies in chronological order to examine the changing role of demand flexibility over time from South Africa (2025), Thailand (2030) and Ireland (2035) demonstrate how demand flexibility improves reliability, reduces costs, supports renewables integration and manages network constraints. To realise these benefits, the report emphasises the role for…
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Powering Ireland’s Energy Future
…this transition, supported by a detailed security study on the electricity supply mix.The analysis sets out five pillars for policy action: Establishing a cross-sectoral energy security strategy for the 2030s; delivering the enabling infrastructure to accommodate the growth of electricity demand and supply; accelerating the delivery of generation capacity, storage and demand-side flexibility; enabling secure system operation under high renewable penetration; advancing workforce skills, strengthening partnerships and facilitating electrification. Ireland can build on its progress in power system transformation to set an example of secure integration of large shares of variable renewable generation while safeguarding energy security.
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IEA Support to Accelerating Renewable Energy Permitting (ARPE)
…providing multiple applicable insights for policy makers in focus countries and beyond.This webpage contains a summary of the main findings resulting from the ARPE action, as well as the summary reports containing the main findings of each workshop. It provides examples of solutions and can inform policy-making, as well as all other stakeholders engaged in renewable energy project development.The project was funded by the European Union (EU) via the Technical Support Instrument, which is managed by the Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM) of the European Commission. The project is implemented by the International Energy Agency (IEA…
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Integrating Distributed Energy Resources in China
Lessons from international experience Like no other country in the world, the People’s Republic of China (hereafter, “China”) is witnessing rapid growth in distributed energy resources (DERs), including rooftop solar photovoltaics, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. As China advances towards its carbon peaking and neutrality goals, these resources offer a unique opportunity to support a more flexible, efficient and resilient power system, provided their integration is well-managed.This report analyses recent trends in DER deployment across China and highlights the emerging challenges their growth poses for power system planning and operation, calling for renewed attention to…
