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Energy savings
…increased economic activity – people using more energy services, firms increasing their production, and people travelling more – pushed energy use upwards by around 22% since 2000. However, efficiency improvements counteracted most of this demand growth, leading to cost savings and other benefits. A closer look at sectoral energy savings The industry and services sector realised the most energy savings due to improved efficiency, accounting for over half of the total savings. It also experienced the largest growth in activity in the last two decades, which pushed up energy demand. Energy efficiency improvements in the residential sector accounted for around a quarter…
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Pledges to Progress 2025
An assessment of transparency of the oil and gas industry’s emissions reduction efforts At COP28, more than 50 of the world’s leading oil and gas companies launched the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), laying out a series of ambitions to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050. As global methane and flaring emissions continue to rise, these ambitions are more important than ever to reduce energy waste and mitigate the harmful consequences of climate change.To support accountability and transparency, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) and…
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Coal Mid-Year Update 2025
Coal’s role in the global energy system today remains significant. Over the past decade, the world’s demand for coal has stayed relatively stable, apart from a temporary drop during the Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid rebound that followed. Today, global coal consumption, power generation, production and trade are all at record levels.In many countries, coal continues to be the leading source of electricity generation, helping to meet growing energy needs. These trends carry major implications for energy security, affordability and sustainability, especially as coal remains the single largest contributor to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. While…
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Battery Circularity
Innovation trends for a future source of critical materials This report provides new evidence on global innovation trends for technologies related to battery recycling. Based on the EPO’s unique and comprehensive worldwide patent databases and the IEA’s expert insights into the key issues for battery technologies, the report presents the very latest data as a guide to decision makers from the public and private sectors. It sheds light on the main locations of patenting, the leading patentors in the world and the technology categories receiving the most innovation attention.More than one in four cars sold globally in…
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Scaling Up Transition Finance
…sufficient financial support. Currently, finance is drawn heavily to certain “green” assets and activities. While vital, these investments alone cannot deliver all the changes needed to cut global emissions, especially in areas where clean technologies are not yet commercially available or cost-competitive. This is where transition finance comes in: it can help emissions-intensive countries, companies and sectors shift over time towards sustainable practices that are aligned with long-term climate and development goals.In this new report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) provides analyses to map the landscape for transition finance, explains why it matters, and highlights approaches…
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World Energy Investment 2026
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 also includes…
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The Implications of Oil and Gas Field Decline Rates
Much attention today focuses on uncertainties affecting the future evolution of oil and natural gas demand, with less consideration given to how the supply picture could develop. However, understanding decline rates – the annual rate at which production declines from existing oil and gas fields – is crucial for assessing the outlook for oil and gas supply and, by extension, for market balances.The International Energy Agency (IEA) has long examined this issue, and a detailed understanding of decline rates is at the heart of IEA modelling and analysis, underpinning the insights provided by the scenarios in the World Energy Outlook.This new…
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Responding to Satellite Notifications from the Methane Alert and Response System
In 2023, the International Methane Emissions Observatory launched the Methane Alert and Response System, the first global system to provide free satellite-based alerts on major emission events to governments. Prompt reaction to MARS notifications has led to the successful mitigation of methane leaks in several countries. However, the global response rate to MARS notifications remains relatively low, suggesting that further measures may be required to transform satellite alerts into actionable responses for governments.The IEA, in collaboration with IMEO, has prepared this technical guidance document to assist governments seeking to improve action on MARS notifications and reduce methane emissions…
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The Value of Demand Flexibility
Benefits beyond balancing This policy brief, developed under the International Energy Agency’s Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, examines the value of demand flexibility as a core component of modern electricity systems, with a strong emphasis on its role in improving energy efficiency. As electricity demand grows and power systems become more electrified, decentralised and renewable-rich, managing when and how electricity is used is increasingly as important as expanding supply.The brief sets out a clear framework for understanding demand flexibility and highlights its contribution to an efficiency-first approach to power system planning and operation. By…
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Competitiveness
…shown to lead to improved product quality and consistency, contributing to brand reputation.Improved resource use, such as reduced equipment downtime and unplanned shutdowns, lower maintenance costs, and potentially reduced staff requirements for operation and monitoring. Efficiency has also been shown to increase worker health and safety, reducing the incidence of work-related accidents and health insurance costs.Reduced waste production, such as less use of materials and process water.Combined, these multiple benefits can more than double the benefits of energy cost savings. Need more information? IEA (2025), Gaining an Edge: The Role of Energy Efficiency in Enhancing Competitiveness.
