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Renewables for Industry
…low-temperature heat and steam in industry, coupled with increasing deployment of renewable electricity supply, can deliver multiple benefits. In addition to reducing fossil fuel use and associated emissions, it can improve energy security by lowering exposure to volatile gas and oil prices and, when integrated with thermal storage, it can create demand flexibility that helps ensure a higher share of variable renewable generation.This report explores how to expand the role of renewables in the industrial energy mix through electrification of low-temperature heat and steam. It focuses on the European Union, China and the Association of Southeast Asian…
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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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Energy Management for Industry
Driving efficiency implementation This report demonstrates the value of energy management for industry and governments. It illustrates how more systematic approaches to energy efficiency can contribute to ensure continual, durable, and increasing improvements that support competitiveness and energy security. It shows how new advances in energy management, such as increased digitalisation and artificial intelligence, can provide further benefits at speed and at scale. Building on best practices and innovative approaches, the report provides policy guidance on effective policy packages, giving insights into possible actions for policy makers irrespective of the maturity of existing programmes.
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Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit
…for Energy Efficiency to help governments deploy coordinated policy approaches across these three pillars. The Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit was subsequently developed to also integrate concrete, sector-specific guidance, along with best practices from around the world.Ten strategic principlesBased on the IEA’s analysis of best practices and the work of the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency, the following strategic principles can help guide policymakers to enhance and expand their energy efficiency policies and programmes, and to accelerate energy efficiency gains through new and stronger policy.Prioritise cross-cutting energy efficiency action for its economic, social and environmental benefits…
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The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient
…the first generation of already-installed LEDs is approaching end-of-life, creating an opportunity for the next phase of LED adoption – one that is focused on higher performance, longer lifetimes and smarter systems. Global LED adoption is moving at three speeds The global shift to LEDs has been strongly supported by government policies. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) – which now cover about 110 countries – and labelling schemes have been key drivers. Energy efficiency obligation schemes, such as white certificates and renovation programs, have also helped stimulate LED adoption. In addition, international agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury…
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Energy Efficiency in China’s Buildings Sector
…progress in achieving them. Regulation for new buildings in China, such as building codes, is relatively strong. However, as the rate of construction is slowing, policy priorities are shifting towards retrofitting existing buildings. Here, the IEA estimates that through strong policy action and best-in-class technology, China could reduce energy consumption by up to 65% in buildings constructed between 1995 and 2010, representing energy savings of over 8 000 Petajoules.The report includes examples from across China and the world on leading regulatory instruments, financial incentives, and information-based tools that can drive energy efficiency in the buildings sector.
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Why the growth of energy service companies is uneven globally
…driving project values from about USD 5.9 billion in the early 2010s to over USD 22 billion in 2024. Growth has been sustained by progressively tighter energy efficiency and emissions reduction requirements, alongside formal support for energy performance contracting.In the United States, which already had one of the most well-established ESCO markets, the Energy Act of 2020 accelerated market growth by requiring federal agencies to implement at least half of identified efficiency measures through performance contracting. This created stable public sector demand for ESCO services and nearly doubled the market compared with pre-2020 levels.Investment levels…
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Energy Efficiency 2025
Market Report Energy Efficiency 2025 is the IEA’s primary annual analysis on global energy efficiency developments, showing recent trends in energy intensity and demand, investment, employment and policy. The report provides sector-specific analysis on industry, buildings, appliances and transport and explores system-wide themes such as emissions reductions, energy security, affordability and competitiveness. This report is launched in parallel with an update to the IEA Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker, which can be accessed through the IEA website.
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Designing Energy Efficiency Policies to Enhance Affordability
…in energy access. Lower-income households spend a significantly higher share of their income on energy than wealthier households, leaving them exposed to price shocks and especially vulnerable when energy prices increase. Energy efficiency can play a key role in delivering lower energy bills, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience. However, ensuring that all households benefit requires targeted, inclusive policy design.This issue was a central focus of an IEA workshop held in January 2025 with G7 country representatives, where affordability was identified as a key challenge. In response, this report was developed to provide practical guidance on designing energy efficiency…
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Saving Energy
…room you’re in.2. Boiler: adjust the settingsDefault boiler settings are often higher than you need. Lower the hot water temperature to save 8% of your heating energy and cut EUR 100 off an average bill. You may have to have the plumber come once if you have a complex modern combi boiler and can’t figure out the manual. Make sure you follow local recommendations or consult your boiler manual. Swap a bath for a shower to spend less energy heating water. And if you already use a shower, take a shorter one. Hot water tanks and…