-
Global Energy and Climate Model
…publications, including the World Energy Outlook series and Energy Technology Perspectives series.In 2021, the IEA adopted for the first time a new hybrid modelling approach relying on the strengths of both models. The integrated framework of the IEA’s Global Energy and Climate Model (GEC Model) is now the principal tool used to generate detailed sector-by-sector and region-by-region long-term scenarios across IEA publications, including the World Energy Outlook series and Energy Technology Perspectives series.Download the GEC Model Methodology document for an in-depth description of the overall approach and features of the model, and…
-
Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026
…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 the policy agenda, this year’s report explores the trajectory that the region was on prior to the conflict in the Middle East, and discusses the potential implications of the energy…
-
Renewables in District Energy
…can play a larger role in district energy systems, helping to deliver cleaner, more secure and more efficient heating and cooling. District energy networks already supply heat to around 600 million people worldwide, but many systems remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, exposing consumers and utilities to price volatility, supply risks and high emissions.The report provides a global overview of district energy systems, their fuel mixes, market conditions, governance models and affordability implications. It explores the growing opportunities offered by renewable and recovered heat sources, including bioenergy, geothermal, solar thermal, waste heat, large-scale heat pumps and thermal energy storage…
-
Ensuring a Strong Labour Dimension for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions
…services across many areas of the energy sector. To give a greater voice to the labour perspective in energy and climate policy discussions, the IEA Executive Director, Dr. Fatih Birol, convened the Clean Energy Labour Council in 2022. The Labour Council brings together representatives of the world’s most important national trade unions and trade union confederations, as well as prominent thinkers on the topic, to foster engagement between the IEA, energy policy makers, and the labour movement.The IEA Clean Energy Labour Council presents this paper to highlight the importance of a strong labour dimension in clean energy transitions…
-
Overview graphic: key technology trends for EVs
…integrate well with the stable, high-voltage power supply of EV batteries. At the same time, the benefits of AI and increased computing power are not exclusive to EVs. AI‑enabled energy management systems are increasingly used to optimise hybrid vehicles, and AI techniques are accelerating the design, testing and optimisation of all vehicles.Finally, technologies enabling EV-grid integration are becoming increasingly available, allowing EVs to play a larger role in the energy system and improving their value proposition. With the rollout of smart and bidirectional charging, EV owners can reduce charging costs and, in some cases, generate revenue by participating…
-
Global Hydrogen Review 2026
…investments and innovation.The report is an output of the Clean Energy Ministerial Hydrogen Initiative and is intended to provide an update to energy sector stakeholders on the status and future prospects of hydrogen, and to inform discussions at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting organised by Japan.The conflict in the Middle East is impacting global supplies of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives, such as fertilisers, exposing vulnerabilities in their supply chains. As energy security concerns move higher up the policy agenda, this year's report considers the potential contributions of low-emissions hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives to enhancing energy security…
-
Prospects for Natural Gas Certification
…existing initiatives, highlights selected regulatory and market developments, identifies areas where improvements may be needed, and presents recommendations to support the development of credible certification frameworks.Certified natural gas refers to gas whose environmental and social attributes – such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance, water use, local community impacts and worker safety – have been independently verified against defined criteria or benchmarks. In 2024, around 7.5% of global natural gas production was certified, with volumes primarily originating from North America. As certification continues to evolve, opportunities remain to improve consistency, transparency and coverage across the full supply chain. To support…
-
Integrating Distributed Energy Resources in China
…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 distribution grids…
-
What Next for the Global Car Industry
…shifted to emerging economies including China since the turn of the century, with around half of global sales now in these regions. Production has also grown unevenly in different regions, especially since the pandemic. China’s car output reached a record 27 million in 2024, when it also became the world’s largest car exporter.This IEA Special Report, released as part of the IEA’s Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) series, aims to provide technology and market insights to assist decision makers in government and industry who are seeking to identify the key drivers of competitiveness in electric car manufacturing.
-
Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025
…which are essential for a range of energy technologies and for the broader economy, have become a major focus in global policy and trade discussions. Price volatility, supply chain bottlenecks and geopolitical concerns make the regular monitoring of their supply and demand extremely vital.The Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 includes a detailed assessment of the latest market and investment trends, along with their implications for critical minerals security. As in last year’s Outlook, it provides a snapshot of recent industry developments from 2024 and early 2025 and offers medium- and long-term projections for the supply and demand of key energy minerals…
