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Integrating Distributed Energy Resources in China
…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 distribution grids. It puts China’s development of DERs in international perspective by drawing on experiences from jurisdictions that are further along in their DER integration journey, such as Australia, Europe, Japan and the United States. Through cross-country comparison, the analysis identifies lessons and best practices that are relevant to China’s evolving power sector and regulatory landscape…
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Grid investments
…to 2022, and can constrain industrial expansion. Implementing energy efficiency and demand response measures can decrease and shift peak demand to less congested periods when electricity prices are lower and there is less stress on grid infrastructure. Demand response has seen rising uptake around the world, but further electrification and demand decarbonisation are expected to significantly increase its importance. For instance, in Australia, where various mechanisms have been successfully demonstrated, the value of demand response capacity could reach USD 11 billion per year by 2042. Globally, it could provide up to 50% of short-term flexibility needs in 2050. Need more information?…
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Health
…90% reported positive health impacts from energy efficiency interventions in buildings. The most frequently reported improvements are related to respiratory illnesses and general health, as well as mental health and life satisfaction. A closer look at wider health impacts Energy efficiency policies across the world have shown positive health impacts for the population. For instance, in a programme in Australia, 49% of participants reported better health due to efficient heating systems. In a South African programme, energy retrofits led to a 81% reduction in self-reported illness among households. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the Warm Up New Zealand Programme concluded…
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Austria 2026
…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 Austria and the IEA. It draws on the IEA’s extensive knowledge and the inputs of expert peers from IEA Member countries to assess Austria’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 Austria’s leadership can serve as an example in promoting secure and clean energy transitions. It…
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Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026
The Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026 is the seventh edition of this World Energy Outlook Special Report, making Southeast Asia by far the most regularly updated regional outlook compiled by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This reflects the dynamism of the region, as well as the importance of the IEA’s partnership with the eleven countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste (joined ASEAN in 2025) and Viet Nam.As energy security concerns move ever higher on…
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Accelerating Renewables Growth in ASEAN
Challenges and policy suggestions Eight of the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have adopted net zero emissions targets, and recent national energy plans outline substantially higher ambitions for renewable capacity. Achieving these goals will require timely, sustained and strongly co-ordinated policy action to unlock the scale of renewable energy deployment needed by 2030 and beyond.This report examines the key challenges hindering a faster capacity deployment of renewable power in ASEAN and outlines potential policy solutions informed by successful international experience. It also provides an assessment of renewable-energy auction design options, an…
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Land-Use Competition between Biodiversity and Net Zero Goals
A case study of Canada Meeting global targets for energy, climate, and biodiversity conservation has major implications for land use. To ensure that the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 aligns with the goal of protecting 30% of the planet’s land and water by the same date, robust mechanisms that direct solar and wind projects away from the world’s most biodiverse areas are needed. To address the potential impacts of renewable development on biodiversity, the IEA developed the Renewable Energy and Land-Use Model (REALM), which identifies areas of overlap between renewable projects, critical mineral mining, and…
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Financing the Modernisation of Power Systems Beyond Coal
The role of transition credits in Southeast Asia Coal is a 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…
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Integrating Solar and Wind in Southeast Asia
Status and outlook for secure and efficient strategies Southeast Asia is experiencing one of the fastest electricity demand growths globally, with consumption set to double by 2050. While renewable deployment has accelerated in recent years, the region’s growing reliance on imported fossil-fuels for electricity generation, 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…
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Southeast Asia Indicators Handbook for Just and Inclusive Transitions
Energy demand in Southeast Asia is growing, driven by rapidly growing population and economies, industrialisation and urbanisation. Many countries in the region have set out their own national decarbonisation targets and clean energy transitions commitments.Clean energy transitions in the region present unique opportunities to deliver broad socio-economic benefits, beyond emissions reductions, such as the creation of new decent jobs, economic diversification, reduced energy poverty and improved air quality. Tracking these benefits can help ensure that all parts of society benefit from these changes.In 2024, G20 leaders endorsed ten voluntary G20 Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions…
