-
Key Questions on Energy and AI
Following the publication of the IEA’s landmark Energy and AI report in 2025, this report examines how the energy and AI nexus has evolved amid surging investment in data centres and rapid advances in model capabilities. Drawing on fresh datasets and analysis, it explores where electricity demand is rising, how quickly grids and supply chains can respond, and what these shifts mean for energy security, affordability and sustainability.
-
Electricity 2026
…such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and evolving technological innovations.Against this backdrop, Electricity 2026 – the IEA’s annual report on global electricity systems and markets – provides in-depth analysis of the recent trends and policy developments underpinning this new era. It includes forecasts for electricity demand, supply and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for select countries, by region and worldwide. This year the forecast period has been expanded to five years, 2026-2030, compared with the previous three-year outlook.As electricity use grows, power systems will need greater flexibility to securely and cost-effectively integrate an increasingly diverse…
- Executive summary
- Demand
- Supply
- Grids
-
+ 4 pages
-
Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit
To accelerate action on energy efficiency, the IEA created the Policy Packages for Energy Efficiency in 2022 to support governments in designing and implementing effective energy efficiency measures by combining policies across three core pillars: regulation, information, and incentives.The IEA then developed an Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit that integrates the Policy Package for Energy Efficiency, with concrete examples for each end-use sector. The Toolkit shares strategic principles to guide policy makers to enhance and expand their energy efficiency policies and programmes.Building on this foundation, the Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit, updated on the occasion of the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in…
-
Heat Pump Taxonomy
A common framework for heat pumps classification and data Heat pumps are a cornerstone technology for achieving secure, affordable and sustainable heating. They have become one of the most common heating technologies and have the potential to impact significantly future trends for energy consumption in buildings and beyond.Tracking and analysing the pace of heat pump deployment compared to that of conventional heating technologies is essential for understanding future needs with regards to energy demand, investments in electricity infrastructure and fuel supply.Despite their growing importance, data on heat pump installations, as well as on their performance and cost, remain…
-
State of Energy Policy 2026
…with a special focus on government spending, energy efficiency regulations, and the contribution of the energy sector to nationally determined contributions and long-term net zero pledges.This year’s report brings an extensive examination of energy security policies to the period 1973-2025, from oil and natural gas to clean energy technology supply chains and critical minerals. It also spotlights the policy momentum around energy access, most particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, taking stock of the policy progress since the IEA Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in 2024.The State of Energy Policy series draw on the Global…
-
Rare Earth Elements
Pathways to secure and diversified supply chains The critical role of rare earth elements in strategic applications, ranging from energy technologies and advanced electronics to aerospace and defence systems, combined with their highly concentrated supply chains, has elevated their importance in both energy and broader economic security discussions in recent years. This report assesses the current state of the rare earth elements market, examining demand and supply dynamics and key technological developments. It analyses the full value chain from mining to permanent magnet production, evaluates vulnerabilities across supply chains, and highlights the implications of potential supply disruptions. Based on these…
-
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…
-
Renewables in District Energy
…around 600 million people worldwide, but many systems remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, exposing consumers and utilities to price volatility, supply risks and high emissions.The report provides a global overview of district energy systems, their fuel mixes, market conditions, governance models and affordability implications. It explores the growing opportunities offered by renewable and recovered heat sources, including bioenergy, geothermal, solar thermal, waste heat, large-scale heat pumps and thermal energy storage. It also sets out policy priorities for three types of markets: established systems with high renewable shares, fossil fuel-intensive networks, and emerging or untapped district energy markets.
-
Vehicle-to-grid technology
…variable renewable generation, maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand becomes increasingly complex and costly.EVs offer substantial demand side flexibility via smart charging. Beyond this, vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) technology enables EVs to provide grid‑stabilisation services through bidirectional power flow. Realising this potential, however, requires widespread deployment of V2G‑compatible vehicles and chargers, multiparty interoperable communication protocols, as well as supportive testing regimes, regulatory frameworks, and financial incentives.Through controlled charging and discharging, EV batteries become flexible assets for energy storage rather than mere loads to the grid. There are varying degrees of flexibility. With unidirectional smart charging (V1G), the charging…
-
Luxembourg 2026
Energy Policy Review Government action plays a pivotal role in ensuring secure and sustainable energy transitions. Energy policy is critical not just for the energy sector but also for meeting environmental, economic and social goals. Governments need to respond to their country’s specific needs, adapt to regional contexts and help address global challenges. In this context, the International Energy Agency (IEA) conducts Energy Policy Reviews to support governments in developing more impactful energy and climate policies.This Energy Policy Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and the IEA. It draws on the IEA’s extensive…
