-
The Value of Demand Flexibility
…s Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, examines the value of demand flexibility as a core component of modern electricity systems, with a strong emphasis on its role in improving energy efficiency. As electricity demand grows and power systems become more electrified, decentralised and renewable-rich, managing when and how electricity is used is increasingly as important as expanding supply.The brief sets out a clear framework for understanding demand flexibility and highlights its contribution to an efficiency-first approach to power system planning and operation. By shifting or adjusting electricity use in response to system conditions, demand flexibility…
-
Electricity Market Design
Building on strengths, addressing gaps Electricity markets play a central role in balancing supply and demand, guiding operational decisions and shaping investment outcomes. As systems change with higher shares of variable generation, greater decentralisation and evolving patterns of electricity use, the ability of market designs to deliver secure and affordable electricity has never been more critical. If market arrangements do not keep pace with these developments, the functioning of electricity systems could become more uncertain and more costly.This report provides a cross-regional assessment of how wholesale electricity markets and their complementary policy mechanisms are performing today. We find…
-
The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa
…global electricity demand growth. The region’s climate, characterised by extreme heat and water scarcity, implies that reliable and resilient electricity systems are integral to meeting soaring demand for cooling and water desalination. This outlook provides an unprecedented regional overview of demand patterns for cooling and water desalination including country-level data.How countries across the region meet this increased demand will have profound implications for the region’s economic future but also for global energy markets. This report also explores the challenges and opportunities to sustainably meet electricity demand growth by exploring the potential of both demand and supply…
-
Grid investments
…close the gap between supply and demand, but often at a lower cost, and more quickly, than new generation and grid expansion. Key facts On average, energy efficiency costs less than half the amount it would cost to build new generation capacity and grid infrastructure, per unit of energy.Energy efficiency measures can typically be deployed in under a year, while generation and transmission projects require between one and seven 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…
-
Energy security
…reducing peak demand. For instance, more efficient air conditioners in India could lower the impact of heatwaves on peak demand by 20% by 2030 and help reduce the risk of blackouts. Key analysis Energy efficiency policies in different sectors have been effective in reducing fossil fuel imports. In the European Union, the strongest reduction was in gas imports, driven by strong energy efficiency improvements in the industrial sector. Meanwhile, in Japan the strongest reductions were in oil imports, due to some of the most stringent fuel economy standards both for passenger and commercial vehicles. A closer look at electricity security…
-
Integrating Solar and Wind in Southeast Asia
…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 sector. VRE presents an opportunity for the region to meet rising demand…
-
Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025
…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, India and the United States and provides updated tracking of wholesale electricity prices across markets worldwide.
-
Powering Ireland’s Energy Future
…socio-economic ambitions, making electricity security critical to realising progress in key areas including housing, digital infrastructure, transport and heat. Going forward, Ireland faces strategic choices on how to align its ambitions while ensuring secure electricity supply to 2035.This report assesses the outlook for Ireland’s energy security to 2035, drawing on international experience and detailed power system modelling developed with EirGrid, Ireland’s transmission system operator. The Adapted Transition Pathway illustrates how climate, energy and socio-economic goals align around the electricity system, potentially doubling demand and requiring faster infrastructure delivery and deployment of renewables. We find that…
-
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…
-
National Climate Resilience Assessment for Mozambique
…and cyclones. With climate change, storms are projected to intensify, as are the risks of seasonal droughts and floods, posing a threat to the reliable operation of hydropower generation and the secure operation of the country’s coal mines. Mozambique’s plans to diversify its energy supply are an important step to enhance energy security and could be complemented by targeted measures to make its electricity system more resilient to natural hazards. Storms and tropical cyclones present the most regular extreme weather event faced by Mozambique and routinely cause significant damage to electricity infrastructure. Most recently, three cyclones – Chido, Dikeledi…