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Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report, 2026
This report is published by the SDG 7 custodian agencies, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), and aims to provide the international community with a global dashboard to register progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.
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Gaining an Edge
…creation, energy efficiency helps firms 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…
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Competitiveness
…shown to lead to improved product quality and consistency, contributing to brand reputation.Improved resource use, such as reduced equipment downtime and unplanned shutdowns, lower maintenance costs, and potentially reduced staff requirements for operation and monitoring. Efficiency has also been shown to increase worker health and safety, reducing the incidence of work-related accidents and health insurance costs.Reduced waste production, such as less use of materials and process water.Combined, these multiple benefits can more than double the benefits of energy cost savings. Need more information? IEA (2025), Gaining an Edge: The Role of Energy Efficiency in Enhancing Competitiveness.
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Economic growth
…impact of energy efficiency policies on macroeconomic performance still needs to be better understood and systematically measured, studies have highlighted some economic benefits:Growth in economic activityVarious studies have modelled the impact of select energy efficiency policies on economic activity and found a positive correlation. In Canada, an analysis of the country’s policy package at the time found that every USD 1 spent on energy efficiency programmes would generate between USD 4 and USD 7 in GDP between 2017 and 2030. In the United States, a study funded by the Department of Energy estimated that doubling energy productivity could…
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Health
…in an analysis of the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme, participants report that the improved efficiency of their homes reduced the number of doctor visits by 50% and lowered hospital admissions by 40%.In addition to physical health, energy efficiency can also lead to improvements to mental health, thermal comfort, and safety: Mental healthStudies show that thermal discomfort and fuel poverty have negative mental health impacts – such as anxiety, stress and depression – and that efficiency improvements can improve this. The impact on mental health may be enhanced if combined with financial support mechanisms and strong community engagement.Thermal comfortRetrofits that include…
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The Value of Demand Flexibility
…balancing This policy brief, developed under the International Energy Agency’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…
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Household Energy Affordability: Data and Indicators
A methodological framework for national monitoring Effective policy requires robust monitoring of household energy affordability, yet no unified methodological approach currently exists. The upcoming IEA report Household Energy Affordability: Data and Indicators, to be published in July, addresses this gap. This executive summary presents its key elements, including a robust methodological framework structured around dimensions, indicators and data to support policy discussions and national monitoring efforts.
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Efficient Grid-Interactive Buildings in India
…and the share of variable renewable energy in electricity generation is continuously growing. Without targeted action, unmanaged peak loads and variable supply could jeopardise grid stability and increase system costs. EGIBs offer an important solution for optimising electricity use, reducing peak demand and enhancing system flexibility.Applying a structured framework, this report assesses India’s policy landscape and opportunities across efficiency, decarbonisation, smartness, resilience, materials and building-to-grid interaction. It concludes with recommendations for a comprehensive policy package that encompasses regulations, incentives and information. Scaling up the adoption of efficient grid-interactive buildings would enable India to align its…
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Lebanon
The government of Lebanon launched the "National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action" in 2010 a mechanism dedicated to the financing of green energy projects in the country. Private sector entities can apply for subsidised loans for any type of environmentally friendly projects.
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
![Lebanon Flag]()
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World Energy Outlook 2025
…relevant responses. For example, instead of asking "Tell me about energy trends," try, "Summarize the key findings on renewable energy capacity from the World Energy Outlook 2025."Ask one question at a time: To ensure clarity and focus, ask one question at a time. This helps the agent provide a more precise and helpful response. If the response isn’t what you expected, rephrase or refine your query to better guide the agent.Provide context when needed: If your question relates to a specific section or chapter of the World Energy Outlook 2025, mention it in your prompt. For example…
