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Topic
Fossil Fuel Subsidies
This approach compares average end-user prices paid by consumers with reference prices that correspond to the full cost of supply. The price gap is the amount by which an end-use price is short of the reference price. Its existence indicates the presence of a subsidy. In a given economy, the basic calculation of subsidies for a product is:Subsidy = (Reference price - End-user price) × Units consumedThese calculations require substantial data. End-user price and consumption data are drawn from IEA data and, where necessary, from government sources and other reports. The estimates are also sensitive to reference…
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Topic
Energy Security
The IEA has been at the heart of international energy security for 50 years – working to avoid, mitigate and manage energy disruptions and crises. While the Agency’s mandate initially centred on oil security, its work has since broadened to include the security of natural gas, electricity and clean energy supply chains.Threats to energy systems are constantly evolving. The IEA continually monitors and analyses these threats, including geopolitical risks, cyberattacks on energy infrastructure, supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events. On 24 and 25 April, 2025, the IEA convened an International Summit on the Future of Energy Security, hosted by the…
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Topic
Energy and Water
Energy and water are deeply and fundamentally connected Water is essential for almost every aspect of producing energy, from electricity generation to fossil fuel extraction to biofuels cultivation. In fact, the energy sector accounts for roughly 10% of all global freshwater withdrawals. Meanwhile, energy is crucial to maintaining global water supply. It is needed to extract water from lakes, rivers and oceans; lift groundwater from aquifers and pump it through pipes and canals; and treat water and deliver it to users.This interdependence is set to intensify in the coming years. Each resource faces rising demand and growing constraints in many…
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The Middle East and Global Energy Markets
The IEA is responding to the energy market impacts of the conflict in the Middle East and continues to closely monitor the latest developments.The disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure across the region have major implications for energy security and affordability – and for the world economy. The IEA's Executive Director has said the combined impacts amount to "the greatest threat to global energy security in history." The war in the region that began on 28 February has impeded energy trade flows through the Strait, creating the largest supply disruption in…
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Topic
Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are essential for a range of today’s energy technologies and for the broader economy. For example, lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite are crucial to battery performance. Rare earth elements are essential indispensable to the permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. Electricity networks need a huge amount of aluminium and copper, the latter of which is the cornerstone of all electricity-related technologies. As demand for these materials grows strongly, their strategic importance has also increased – and policymakers have made ensuring secure and resilient mineral supply chains a major priority. Critical Minerals Security…