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State of Energy Policy 2026 Energy efficiency and fuel switching regulations
More than 130 countries have energy efficiency or fuel switching regulations in place, but some were revised, delayed or withdrawn in 2025 Energy use has become more efficient around the world since 2000. Global energy intensity has improved by around 30% over the past 25 years, meaning the world uses about 30% less energy per unit of economic output today than it did in 2000, with differentiated trends by key end uses: passenger cars and air conditioners have notably seen efficiency improvements for new sales of 30% and 45%, respectively since 2005. However, the pace of improvement has slowed over…
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Energy and Water
Energy and water are deeply and fundamentally connected Water is essential for almost every aspect of producing energy, from electricity generation to fossil fuel extraction to biofuels cultivation. In fact, the energy sector accounts for roughly 10% of all global freshwater withdrawals. Meanwhile, energy is crucial to maintaining global water supply. It is needed to extract water from lakes, rivers and oceans; lift groundwater from aquifers and pump it through pipes and canals; and treat water and deliver it to users.This interdependence is set to intensify in the coming years. Each resource faces rising demand and growing constraints in many…
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Hugo Salamanca
Former Energy Policy Analyst.
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Coal 2025 Trade
International coal trade is set to decline in 2025 International coal trade grew by 3% in 2024, reaching a new record of 1 544 Mt. This growth was driven by increases in both thermal coal (up 26 Mt to 1 176 Mt) and met coal (up 21 Mt to 368 Mt). Coal trade accounted for approximately 18% of global coal demand, with thermal coal making up more than three-quarters of total traded volumes. Seaborne trade continued to dominate, representing over 90% of global coal trade in 2024.The Asia Pacific region further strengthened its dominance, accounting for 85% of global coal imports in 2024. China led…
- Executive summary
- Demand
- Supply
- Trade
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+ 2 pages
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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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Muriel Pénicaud
Ambassador at the Permanent Representative of France to the OECD, Former Minister of Labour.
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Renewables 2025 Biogases
Policy attention to biogas and biomethane has increased significantly in the past five years Since 2020, more than 50 new policies have been introduced around the world, as more countries recognise the potential role of biogas and biomethane in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Several key factors are driving this surge. First is the growing importance of energy security following the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent geopolitical developments. Second is the need to accelerate decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors, together with growing emphasis on methane emissions reductions. Third, countries are paying more…
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Breakthrough Agenda Report 2026 Fertilisers
Fertilisers
- Executive summary
- Hydrogen
- Road transport
- Steel
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+ 3 pages
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Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025 Executive summary
Global electricity demand on course to expand robustly in 2025 and 2026 despite economic headwinds Global power demand is expected to rise much faster over the forecast 2025‑2026 period than it did during the past decade. While slower than the 4.4% surge in 2024, growth forecasts of 3.3% for 2025 and 3.7% for 2026 remain among the highest rates observed in the past decade and well above the 2015-2023 average of 2.6%. Despite a slowdown in economic activity, which has weighed on global electricity use so far in 2025, heatwaves continue to add to demand…
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Energy crisis threatens world’s most vulnerable as cooking fuel shortages grow
The Energy Crisis hits the Homefront: A growing shortage of cooking fuels The Middle East crisis has highlighted the energy security risks for a fundamental need: the ability to cook a meal The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a global energy crisis of unprecedented magnitude. The daily volumes of oil lost to global markets in March 2026 surpassed the peak supply losses of the two major oil shocks of the 1970s combined.Previous energy crises affected economies and societies in profound ways, often forcing households to ration fuel for their cars and heating for their homes. The 2026…