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Commentary
23 Jan 2026
Investment in next-generation geothermal is surging. Policies are key to further growth
Next-generation geothermal readies for take-off Next-generation geothermal is seeing a burst of financing, innovation and new supply agreements Geothermal energy harnesses naturally occurring heat found beneath the Earth’s surface to provide heating and cooling, electricity and energy storage. As global electricity demand rises and power systems place a growing premium on firm supply, geothermal energy’s ability to provide an around-the-clock, low-emissions source of power is attracting renewed attention. However, easy-to-access conventional geothermal resources are relatively rare and mostly confined to a small number of shallow geothermal hotspots globally, accounting for…
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Country
Germany
Germany’s Climate Law sets out the framework for reaching net zero emissions by 2045. In order to achieve the ambitious Energiewende by 2030, 80% of all electricity supply will need to come from renewable energy sources (and 100% by 2035) and coal is to be completely phased out. Germany has been an early leader in offshore wind and solar PV and phased out nuclear power in 2023. Major legislative reforms in renewable energy planning and siting support targets of 100-110 GW of onshore wind, 30 GW offshore wind and 200 GW solar, alongside investments in 10 GW of…
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Flagship report
Nov 2025
World Energy Outlook 2025 Stated Policies Scenario
Stepping up the pace of change? The Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) is an exploratory scenario, designed to reflect the prevailing direction of travel for the energy system based on a detailed reading of country-specific energy, climate and related industrial policies that have been adopted or put forward, even if not yet codified in law. It reflects the state of technology and market conditions but does not include aspirational goals. Total final consumption grows 1% annually to 2035 in the STEPS, with India and other emerging market and developing economies leading demand growth. It increases more slowly than in the…
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Country
Belgium
Belgium’s energy policy is focused on transitioning to a low-carbon economy while ensuring energy security, lowering costs for consumers and increasing market competition. Belgium has made progress on these goals, notably as a global leader in offshore wind. The country is also seeing a rapid uptake of electric vehicles. However, Belgium remains reliant on fossil fuels and more aggressive policies are needed accelerate emissions reductions, especially for the industry sector.
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Statistics report
Oct 2025
IEA Guide to Reporting Energy Technology RD&D Budgets
This manual, developed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), provides comprehensive guidance for national experts responsible for reporting energy technology research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) budgets. It outlines the methodology and classification system used to collect and structure RD&D data across IEA member countries, ensuring consistency and comparability. The manual is divided into two main sections: fundamentals of RD&D budget reporting and a detailed classification of energy technologies. It defines RD&D in alignment with the OECD Frascati Manual and clarifies the scope of public and private sector reporting. It also provides instructions for completing the IEA…
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Report
Apr 2025
IEA Support to Accelerating Renewable Energy Permitting (ARPE)
Between October 2023 and March 2025, the IEA implemented the “Accelerating Renewable Energy Permitting” (ARPE) action. The goal of ARPE was to support five EU Member states – Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the Slovak Republic (Focus countries) – in developing and implementing policy and regulatory measures aimed at reaching their renewable energy targets, notably through accelerating permitting of renewable energy projects.In support of this objective, the IEA organised and facilitated five workshops focused on the following topics:streamlining administrative proceduresaccelerating offshore wind deploymentfacilitating spatial planning for renewable energy deploymentensuring public engagement and acceptance, and afinal workshop summarizing the project…
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Country
Iran
Iran has in place legislation obliging the Minister of Energy to increase the share of renewables and clean power plants to at least 5% of the country's capacity until the end of 2021.
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Report
Jun 2026
Breakthrough Agenda Report 2026
Strengthening international collaboration to accelerate delivery Breakthrough Agenda Report 2026 Since its launch at COP 26, the Breakthrough Agenda has served as a framework for strengthening international collaboration across major emitting sectors. Participating countries have endorsed shared “Breakthrough” goals to make clean technologies and sustainable practices more affordable, accessible and attractive than their alternatives by 2030 across the power, road transport, hydrogen, steel, cement and buildings sectors.The Breakthrough Agenda establishes an annual cycle to track progress towards these goals, identify where stronger or more co‑ordinated international action is needed, and support collective efforts to accelerate deployment. Central to this process…
- Executive summary
- Hydrogen
- Road transport
- Steel
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+ 3 pages
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Commentary
13 Mar 2026
Why the growth of energy service companies is uneven globally
ESCO The global annual ESCO market growth rate has more than doubled over the past five years Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective tools for enhancing energy security, reducing household energy bills and supporting countries’ efforts to reduce emissions. Energy service companies (ESCOs) – firms that develop and implement energy efficiency projects typically financed through verified energy savings – are playing a growing role in delivering energy efficiency improvements across buildings, industry and transport infrastructure worldwide. By integrating project development, financing and performance guarantees, ESCOs can offer a proven way to reduce upfront investment barriers and shift technical and…
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Technology report
May 2025
Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 Regional snapshots
Policymakers have woken up to these energy security challenges with a wave of new policy initiatives Governments around the world are intensifying efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through public funding, strategic partnerships and domestic policy reforms. In Europe, regulatory support and investments have ramped up to support critical mineral supply, supported by national investment funds and cross-border partnerships. North America is leveraging financial incentives to stimulate private-sector investment. Latin America, rich in critical minerals, is projected to reach USD 154 billion in mining and refining value amid regulatory reforms to attract foreign capital. China, already dominant, is…