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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…
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World Energy Employment 2025
The World Energy Employment (WEE) report series provides comprehensive tracking and analysis of the global energy workforce, including estimates of its size and distribution across regions, sectors, and technologies. It also assesses how energy labour requirements evolve to 2035 across all IEA scenarios.The WEE 2025 – the fourth edition – examines how skilled labour needs and shortages have changed since the series first highlighted these issues in 2022, and explores their implications for education and training systems, wages, policy, and the global buildout of energy infrastructure. This year’s report introduces, for the first time, detailed occupation-level estimates that offer…
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Renewables 2025
Analysis and forecasts to 2030 Renewables 2025 Renewables 2025 is the IEA's main annual report on the sector. It presents the latest forecasts and analysis, based on recent policy and market developments, while also exploring key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.This year’s edition provides forecasts for the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat through 2030. It also examines notable developments in key areas of the sector, including policy changes, manufacturing trends, and the financial health of different parts of the industry.
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Policy Toolbox for Industrial Decarbonisation
The Policy Toolbox for Industrial Decarbonisation is a repository of policy instruments available to assist governments as they design, develop and implement their strategies for industrial decarbonisation. This work, undertaken as part of the Climate Club's Work Programme, builds on the policy toolbox outlined in IEA’s 2022 Achieving Net Zero Heavy Industry Sectors in G7 Members report, with the addition of further details on the instruments and considerations for implementation.A robust industrial decarbonisation policy strategy is likely to include multiple different instruments, as governments choose the instruments that are most suited to their individual circumstances and objectives…
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Grid investments
…years to build on average, depending on technology, or over a decade for nuclear. Key analysis IEA analysis of nine major regions shows that increasing electricity generation and grid capacity by one terawatt-hour (TWh), will require investments of USD 30 to 110 million in emerging economies and USD 75 to 150 million in advanced economies. In order to save the same amount of electricity, energy efficiency measures would cost only between USD 10 million and 50 million. A closer look at grid management The deployment of energy efficiency measures typically requires less time than the implementation of most new generation and grid infrastructure. On average…
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Gaining an Edge
…creation, energy efficiency helps firms compete amid high costs, growing demand, and rising trade pressures. In today’s global context, energy efficiency is not only a matter of energy policy, but also of economic policy.The report analyses historical progress in industrial energy efficiency and its role in enhancing industrial competitiveness. It includes comparisons of firm-level energy efficiency, identifying performance gaps and opportunities for further improvement. Drawing on a new IEA survey of 1 000 firms across 14 countries, it provides insights into industry perspectives. The report also highlights emerging opportunities in energy efficiency markets and offers recommendations for policymakers…
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Emission reductions
…lack access to clean cooking, air pollution is linked to around 3.7 million premature deaths a year. Replacing open fires and inefficient stoves with cleaner, more modern stoves and fuels reduces household air pollution and improves efficiency. Indoor air pollution from liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cookstoves is only around 5% of pollution from traditional biomass, while being over three times more efficient. Switching from LPG to electric cooking would further reduce indoor air pollution by 25% and is over 1.5 times more efficient. Need more information? IEA (2024), Energy Efficiency 2024.IEA (2023), A Vision for Clean Cooking Access…
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Jobs
…on economic structure and energy efficiency measure. By lowering energy spending, energy efficiency also helps foster business growth and competitiveness. Energy efficiency offers a wide array of job opportunities, including in installation and repair but also in the manufacturing, supply and distribution of efficient equipment. Key analysis A review of studies shows that an investment of USD 1 million can create and maintain for one year between 5 and 22 jobs in the buildings sector, between 4 and 14 jobs in the industrial sector, and between 5 and 15 jobs in the transport sector. A closer look at job location Energy efficiency spurs job creation…
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World Energy Investment 2025
…heightened focus on energy security. It explores the different drivers of energy investments and identify emerging trends and priorities.This year’s edition also reflects on energy investment trends over the last decade, highlighting major milestones and lessons from different energy sectors and regions. It also includes an expanded regional analysis as well as extensive analysis on the sources of investment and sources of finance in the energy sector, including insights on the role of development finance institutions in energy investments across emerging and developing economies. It will also look at how investment trends in clean energy compare with those…
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Integrating Solar and Wind in Southeast Asia
…exposes countries to volatile fuel prices, potential supply disruptions and rising emissions. At the same time, the region possesses vast and diverse renewable resource potential. Variable renewable energy (VRE) - solar and wind - are now among the most cost-competitive generation options and are playing an increasingly important role in the region’s power sector. VRE presents an opportunity for the region to meet rising demand, support energy security, affordability and climate goals. However, integrating higher shares of VRE can present technical and regulatory challenges that require changes to system operation and planning. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the…
