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Vehicle software and software-defined vehicles
…accelerated dramatically with the rise of EVs. Pure-play EV makers have pioneered the shift towards high-level, continuously updateable software-based vehicle control, speeding up the development and rollout of new features. Vehicles are evolving into software platforms for which users can access subscription‑based premium features, in the same way as for smartphones. A new design paradigm is emerging, with EVs at the forefront The digital transformation of the car industry is most evident in the emergence of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), in which software determines an increasing share of vehicle functionality. This shift is not based on software…
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Energy Efficiency in China’s Buildings Sector
…The buildings sector accounts for approximately 20% of its total final energy consumption and its intensity has decreased at a slower rate. There remains significant potential to unlock further energy savings through technical and policy initiatives in buildings.This report outlines opportunities for actions, targets and timelines that could improve energy efficiency in China's buildings sector. It includes an analysis of the country’s current buildings energy efficiency policies and the data that tracks 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…
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Breakthrough Agenda Report 2025
…reports contained a detailed assessment on the state of international collaboration across these sectors in areas such as definitions, standards and certification, demand creation and management, research and innovation, finance and investment, infrastructure, and trade conditions, among others.The Breakthrough Agenda Report 2025 – the fourth in the annual series – takes a different approach to previous reports, in that it does not contain the same detailed sector-by-sector assessment. Instead, this year’s report focuses on enhancing the methodology behind the detailed progress assessments, provides practical examples of collaboration through deep dives, and introduces a new focus chapter on fertilisers.
- Executive summary
- Power
- Hydrogen
- Road transport
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+ 4 pages
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Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025
…data centres and electrification. At the same time, electricity supply from renewables, natural gas and nuclear continues to grow, with all set to reach new milestones.This mid-year update follows the extensive Electricity 2025 report released in February, examining the latest trends and the outlook for the remainder of the year. It includes updated data for 2024 along with new forecasts for 2025 and 2026 covering areas such as global electricity demand, supply by fuel type, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from electricity generation. The report also analyses the latest developments in major economies including China, the European Union…
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Gaining an Edge
…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, along with relevant case studies.
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Designing Energy Efficiency Policies to Enhance Affordability
Examples from G7 countries Energy affordability has emerged as a critical concern in the context of rising global energy prices and growing inequality in energy access. Lower-income households spend a significantly higher share of their income on energy than wealthier households, leaving them exposed to price shocks and especially vulnerable when energy prices increase. Energy efficiency can play a key role in delivering lower energy bills, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience. However, ensuring that all households benefit requires targeted, inclusive policy design.This issue was a central focus of an IEA workshop held in January 2025 with G7 country…
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Ramping up Heat Pumps in Moldova: A Roadmap
Buildings account for more than half of Moldova’s final energy consumption, with three-quarters of that used for space and water heating. At the same time, Moldova lacks domestic hydrocarbon resources and imports more than 80% of its primary energy. Heat pump technology offers Moldova an effective means of accelerating the transition in building heating.The recent expansion of Moldova’s solar and wind capacity also means that heat pumps can now play a greater role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lowering local air pollution. Finally, Moldovan’s 2024 referendum, endorsing the goal of European Union membership, underscores…
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Coal 2025
Analysis and forecast to 2030 Coal is a cornerstone of electricity generation in many countries as well as the single largest source of carbon dioxide emissions globally, placing it at the centre of international dialogues on energy. At a time of uncertainty and change for energy systems around the world, a range of different trends could shape coal markets in the years ahead.On the one hand, recent policy changes supporting coal could drive consumption higher, as could surging electricity demand in economies across the world, since two-thirds of global coal use today is for power generation. On the…
- Executive summary
- Demand
- Supply
- Trade
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+ 2 pages
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Manufacturing and Trade Model
The IEA’s Manufacturing and Trade (MaT) Model was first developed for the 2024 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) to produce scenario projections of manufacturing and trade across six key energy technology supply chains. These cover solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines, electric cars, batteries, electrolysers and heat pumps. This model is now used to generate detailed sector-by-sector and region-by-region long-term scenarios in IEA publications such as the World Energy Outlook and Global EV Outlook.The MaT model is part of the IEA’s broader modelling framework and is closely linked to the Global Energy…
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Gas Market Lessons from the 2022-2023 Energy Crisis
…on government budgets. Market responses varied but governments were quick to react as the challenges of security of supply became apparent. Post-crisis, markets must continue to adapt as the effects of the crisis continue to influence security of gas supply. Taking stock of this new situation and how to approach it will be key to improving security of gas supply and enhancing the collective resilience to potential future natural gas market shocks. This report aims to do just that, highlighting five key gas market lessons learned from the crisis and their role in shaping a more secure energy future.
