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Jobs
…other energy sectors – such as fossil fuel supply, power generation, or transmission and distribution – across a variety of locations. For instance, in areas with high unemployment rates, energy efficiency accounts for an even higher share of energy sector jobs than in areas with lower unemployment. Meanwhile, other energy sector jobs are more prevalent in areas with lower unemployment rates. Energy efficiency investments also contribute to enhance the quality of jobs in other industries. Firms that invest in energy efficiency can significantly improve the quality of the working environment, with efficient lighting that provides increased visual comfort, or efficient ventilation systems…
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Ensuring a Skilled Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Workforce
…labour shortages. The report identifies barriers which are currently hindering energy education and training. It also discusses policy measures aimed at attracting more people to the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and providing them with the necessary training. The report includes new IEA analysis on online job postings in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and IEA modelling on energy employment from 2024 as the last full year of data available at the time of publication. The analysis also draws from stakeholder input from two in-person Future of Energy Skills workshops co-ordinated by the IEA and the European…
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Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Business
Energy efficiency is often described as the “first fuel” because the cheapest and most secure energy is the energy that is not used. For businesses, this begins with a straightforward benefit: lower energy bills. In many cases, efficiency investments can pay back quickly through reduced energy costs alone. However, the value of energy efficiency extends beyond energy savings.This report builds on the IEA’s work on the multiple benefits of energy efficiency and focusses on how these gains materialise in businesses. Key benefits range from productivity and product quality improvements to brand image or health benefits for employees and…
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Energy savings
…increased activity, such as home building and increased home sizes. In the transport sector, most efficiency improvements were realised in passenger vehicles – around one-sixth of the total. These energy savings were higher than the increased demand due to the rising number, frequency and distance of people travelling. Efficiency improvements in freight transport, such as trucks, drove around 1% of the total energy savings. This was lower than the rise in freight transport activity over the same period. Need more information? IEA (2025), Energy End-uses and Efficiency Indicators.IEA (2023), Decomposition of change in IEA total final energy use.
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Financing the Modernisation of Power Systems Beyond Coal
…central component of power systems in Southeast Asia, even as governments have committed to reducing coal‑related emissions. Rapid electricity demand growth, alongside coal’s role in system adequacy, reliability and energy security, complicates efforts to accelerate coal transitions. Recent volatility in international gas markets has reinforced the short‑term economic and security value of existing coal assets, adding complexity to national transition strategies. The region’s young coal fleet also implies substantial long‑term emissions if plants continue operating at current utilisation rates.Against this backdrop, new approaches are being explored to support coal transitions while maintaining secure and reliable power systems…
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Household Energy Affordability
Energy is one of the top expenses for millions of households, making energy affordability an important policy concern for governments. The impacts of the global energy crisis on consumer prices have been significantly felt in household budgets. Despite coming down from their peak in 2022, prices remain elevated compared to pre-crisis levels and households continue to grapple with higher living costs.This report sets out to identify key trends that are shaping the state of energy affordability around the world today. It explores how system drivers and household energy consumption influence the makeup of energy bills and opens a…
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Economic growth
…impact of energy efficiency policies on macroeconomic performance still needs to be better understood and systematically measured, studies have highlighted some economic benefits:Growth in economic activityVarious studies have modelled the impact of select energy efficiency policies on economic activity and found a positive correlation. In Canada, an analysis of the country’s policy package at the time found that every USD 1 spent on energy efficiency programmes would generate between USD 4 and USD 7 in GDP between 2017 and 2030. In the United States, a study funded by the Department of Energy estimated that doubling energy productivity could…
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Germany 2025
…Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Germany and the IEA. It draws on the IEA's extensive knowledge and the inputs of expert peers from IEA Member countries to assess Germany’s most pressing energy sector challenges and provide recommendations on how to address them, backed by international best practices. The report also highlights areas where Germany’s leadership can serve as an example in promoting secure clean energy transitions. It also promotes the exchange of best practices among countries to foster learning, build consensus and strengthen political will for a sustainable and affordable clean energy future.
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Renewables for Industry
…with increasing deployment of renewable electricity supply, can deliver multiple benefits. In addition to reducing fossil fuel use and associated emissions, it can improve energy security by lowering exposure to volatile gas and oil prices and, when integrated with thermal storage, it can create demand flexibility that helps ensure a higher share of variable renewable generation.This report explores how to expand the role of renewables in the industrial energy mix through electrification of low-temperature heat and steam. It focuses on the European Union, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), examining their techno-economic potential and…
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Luxembourg 2026
…Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and the IEA. It draws on the IEA’s extensive knowledge and the inputs of expert peers from IEA Member countries to assess Luxembourg’s most pressing energy sector challenges and provide recommendations on how to address them, backed by international best practices. The report also highlights areas where Luxembourg’s leadership can serve as an example in promoting secure and clean energy transitions. It also promotes the exchange of best practices among countries to foster learning, build consensus and strengthen political will for a sustainable and affordable energy future.
