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Package for the future - Research and development
Package for the future is a programme designed to help Germany prepare for future challenges such as growing digitalisation and climate change. The programme aims to support research into the development of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, hydrogen power and electric vehicles. In this framework, several measures are implemented:
- Increase of the tax research allowance for innovative companies in Germany, doubling the tax support for research by innovative German companies. The funding of the tax research allowance will be granted retroactively on the period 1.1.2020 - 31.12.2025, with up to 4 million euros per company. Budget estimated… -
Package for the future - Expansion of renewable energies
Package for the future is a programme designed to help Germany prepare for future challenges such as growing digitalisation and climate change. The programme aims to support research into the development of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, hydrogen power and electric vehicles. The package includes measures to support additional expansion of renewable energy: (1) abolishing the cap on solar PV build-out, (2) increasing the capacity targets for offshore wind energy from 15 GW by 2030 to 20 GW, (3) an option for minimal distance rules on sub-federal level, (4) options for municipal participation in profits from wind power projects…
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Tax deductions for building renovations
…January 2020, Germany provides homeowners with tax incentives for energy efficient renovations, allowing them to deduct 20% of the costs for renovations of up to EUR 40,000 from their taxes.
Insulation measures, new windows and exterior doors, the replacement or optimisation of old heating and ventilation systems and the installation of digital energy management systems are eligible for support.
Measures cover only owner-occupied homes. This rules out rented dwellings and means that less than half of Germany's approximately 42 million homes are eligible for support. A study by the German alliance for energy efficiency in buildings, GEEA… -
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 Policy implications
An integrated policy package is key to deliver value to businesses and the economy Government intervention can help enhance industrial energy efficiency through effective policy packages. To create effective drivers and preconditions for increasing energy efficiency in the industry sector, policy packages combine three main mechanisms, regulation, information and incentives:Regulation is essential to exclude the worst performing equipment and practices from the market, driving greater energy efficiency at both firm and national level. Information improves firms’ awareness and knowledge of their energy efficiency options, highlighting benefits and enabling more efficient choices in energy-related purchases and use. Increased capacity…
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Climate Change
The IEA and the UNFCCC are building consensus on actions to deliver 1.5 °C-aligned energy transitions; and supporting the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement – while deepening existing cooperation on data and capacity building. The IEA and the UNFCCC are building consensus on actions to deliver 1.5 °C-aligned energy transitions; and supporting the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement – while deepening existing cooperation on data and capacity building. The global energy system is the bedrock of modern economies and societies – providing power to everywhere we live and work…
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What Next for the Global Car Industry Present and future prospects of electric car manufacturing
Highlights New market-entrants focusing on electric car production are expanding rapidly. Pure-play electric car makers, especially those from China and US-based Tesla, are capturing a growing share of sales; some 45% of global electric car sales in 2024 are from pure-play electric car makers, compared to 35% in 2019. The growth in electric car sales affects both car makers and automotive suppliers, especially those producing powertrains and related components. The automotive supplier market is worth about USD 1.3 trillion, equivalent to over 40% of the global car market. For all components except batteries, companies from…
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Mechthild Wörsdörfer
Former Director, Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks.
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Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane Biogas and biomethane outlook to 2050
The landscape for biogases is very different now compared to our last Outlook in 2020, with total demand 32% higher in 2040 in the STEPS than in the New Policies Scenario at the time. Whereas natural gas prices in 2020 were at record lows, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered interest in developing biomethane to substitute imported natural gas. The revised figure is driven in part by strengthened policy incentives, notably in Europe and China. There is a strong continued use case for biogases in the Outlook scenarios. Electricity's share in total final consumption increases from 20…
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Global Hydrogen Review 2026 Key questions about hydrogen
How has the conflict in the Middle East affected supplies of fertilisers and chemicals made from hydrogen? The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted not only oil and gas flows, but also global supply chains for hydrogen‑based products, particularly fertilisers and chemicals such as ammonia, urea and methanol. These products account for a large share of hydrogen demand, with ammonia and methanol alone representing roughly half of global consumption.The Middle East plays a critical role in global markets for hydrogen-based products, and a large share of its production is dedicated to exports, making the region a major…
