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Sodium-ion battery momentum grows, but challenges remain
batteries commentary sodium batteries Recent technological advances and investment announcements suggest dynamics are shifting for sodium-ion batteries Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a new player in battery markets, offering opportunities to diversify battery chemistries and supply chains at a time of rising global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. Developed in laboratories since the early 1980s, sodium-ion batteries operate on the same fundamental principles as lithium‑ion batteries – which currently dominate the market – yet their path to commercialisation has been markedly slower.While lithium-ion batteries entered commercial use in the 1990s – with the first electric vehicles…
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Coal
Coal
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World Energy Investment 2026
World Energy Investment is the global benchmark for tracking investment trends across the energy sector. The report will present the latest data on capital flows to different types of energy projects, as well as the first set of full-year estimates for 2026.As energy security concerns continue to shape investment priorities, this year’s report will explore the potential implications for different sectors and regions, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The 2026 edition will highlight major investment milestones and opportunities from different energy sectors and regions. It also includes…
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Chile
Chile’s energy policy has evolved dynamically in recent years. In response to changes in the domestic and international environment, significant institutional and policy reforms as well as major infrastructure projects have been carried out. In 2022, Chile’s Ministry of Energy published an update to its the Long-Term Energy Policy (PELP, first published in 2015), which re-emphasises the pledge to net-zero, laying out a clear decarbonisation pathway that addresses all sectors of the national economy.
Based on its excellent renewable energy resources, Chile has taken a globally leading role in clean energy, and emerged as a…- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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China
China’s growing energy needs are increasingly met by renewables, natural gas and electricity. The scale of China’s future electricity demand and the challenge of decarbonising the power supply help explain why global investment in electricity overtook that of oil and gas for the first time in 2016, and why electricity security is moving firmly up the policy agenda. That said, cost reductions for renewables are not sufficient on their own to secure efficient decarbonisation or reliable supply.
Between 2019 and 2024, China will account for 40% of global renewable capacity expansion, driven by improved system integration, lower curtailment…- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Energy Technology Perspectives 2026
The 2026 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives is published against the backdrop of a fast-changing policy and technology landscape. Governments are working to establish secure and resilient supply chains for clean energy technologies while advancing key energy policy goals such as energy security, affordability and economic competitiveness, as well as climate and other environmental goals. In a landscape that is constantly evolving, this report aims to deliver timely insights into the status and outlook of technology deployment, manufacturing, project pipelines, investments, and trade of different energy technologies and materials. The aim is to provide useful analysis that can inform…
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Brazil 2025 Executive summary
Brazil has positioned itself as a leader in the global energy transition. Its vast renewable energy resources, strong biofuels sector and ambitious climate commitments offer distinct advantages in the low-carbon economy. The country has introduced a comprehensive National Energy Transition Policy (PNTE) aimed at achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, supported by the Energy Transition Plan (PLANTE) and the Energy Transition Forum (FONTE). In 2024, the country also launched the Low-Carbon Hydrogen Law, the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System Law, the Fuel of the Future Law and the Energy Transition Acceleration Program, further boosting momentum…
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Gaining an Edge
The Role of Energy Efficiency in Enhancing Competitiveness Energy efficiency delivers more than energy savings and emission reductions – it can also improve the competitiveness of countries and firms. From increased profitability to job 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…
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Global Energy Review 2026 Technology: Nuclear
In 2025, 3 GW of new nuclear capacity came online, with China, India and Russia each completing work on a new reactor. However, these additions were offset by the retirement of 3 GW of nuclear capacity, two-thirds of which was in Belgium. In total, global nuclear capacity remained at 420 GW at the end of 2025, with reactors in operation in over 30 countries. There were ten construction starts in 2025 – nine in China and one in Russia – with a total capacity of 12.2 GW. Over the past decade, 94% of nuclear reactors that started construction were of…
- Key findings
- Global trends
- Oil
- Natural gas
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+ 9 pages
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The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient
lighting commentary The first LED revolution reduced energy use worldwide – and a second wave of deployment is now taking shape As the world enters the Age of Electricity, lighting remains one of the most visible – and widespread – parts of our energy use.The IEA estimates that lighting in buildings and outdoor applications accounts for the majority of overall lighting electricity demand. In 2024, around 8% of global electricity demand – or about 2 200 terawatt hours (TWh) – was attributed to lighting in buildings and outdoor applications, excluding industry and agriculture. These figures reflect the latest available data and define the scope…
