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The Value of Demand Flexibility
Benefits beyond 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…
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Coal
Coal
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Renewables in District Energy
This report examines how renewables 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…
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Demand- and Supply-Side Measures for the Industry Transition
Policy brief As governments look to scale up lead markets for near-zero and low-emissions steel and cement, targeted policy measures can help overcome commercialisation barriers, capture emerging market opportunities and support broader government objectives. This policy brief explores a variety of possible policy instruments to stimulate demand and supply of such industrial materials, providing options that governments could adopt and adapt as part of their industrial policy framework – tailored to their unique circumstances to enhance effectiveness – along with practical next steps towards implementation.
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The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa Executive summary
A cornerstone of global energy supply and, increasingly, demand The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey. The region has long been a cornerstone of the global energy system. In 2024, it supplied over 30% of the world’s oil and nearly 20% of its natural gas. At the same time, it is emerging as a major centre of electricity demand growth, driven by a rapidly expanding population, urbanisation, rising living standards, and accelerating climate pressures. Between 2000 and 2024, electricity demand tripled – increasing by more than 1 000 terawatt-hours (TWh…
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Germany 2025 Executive summary
Germany is at an important inflection point in its energy transition. As one era of its energy history draws to a close, another is coming clearly into view – the move away from nuclear, coal and Russian natural gas contrasted by the transition towards renewables, low-emissions hydrogen, heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs). While the world has been buffeted by geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges in recent years, Germany has worked hard to accelerate its clean energy transition. This report seeks to provide Germany with timely advice on how it can progress towards its energy and climate goals, including in three…
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Key Questions on Energy and AI
Following the publication of the IEA’s landmark Energy and AI report in 2025, this report examines how the energy and AI nexus has evolved amid surging investment in data centres and rapid advances in model capabilities. Drawing on fresh datasets and analysis, it explores where electricity demand is rising, how quickly grids and supply chains can respond, and what these shifts mean for energy security, affordability and sustainability.
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Cost of Capital Observatory
Tracking the cost of capital for clean energy projects in emerging and developing economies The Cost of Capital Observatory is an initiative from the IEA, the World Economic Forum, ETH Zurich and Imperial College London. The aim of the Observatory is to increase transparency in the energy sector and inspire investor confidence, especially in emerging and developing countries where data on financing costs is scarcer.The Observatory is divided into three sections:A Dashboard that provides free data on the cost of capital for energy projects in emerging and developing economies, updated with 2023 and 2024 data in July and…
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Biofuels
Country and regional highlights
The United States Inflation Reduction Act makes USD 9.4 billion available for biofuels
Energy
Biofuel demand increased by 6% in 2022, continuing the recent pace of growth
Technology deployment
Biofuel production technology needs to diversify to sustainably take advantage of existing waste and residue feedstocks
Innovation
Technologies that can convert woody feedstocks into biofuels need to be proven at scale in the next few years
Supporting infrastructure
Policy
Investment
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Gas Market Report, Q2-2025
Global natural gas demand continued to expand through the 2024/25 heating season, with growth primarily driven by Europe and North America. Underground storage facilities and reserve mechanisms provided crucial flexibility to the gas system and ensured stable and secure gas supplies over the 2024/25 heating season. In 2025, global gas demand growth is forecast to slow from the previous year amid tighter market conditions, while heightened macroeconomic uncertainties may also weigh on demand.Low gas storage levels and reduced piped gas exports from Russia to the European Union are expected to keep market fundamentals tight. Supported by higher…
