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Businesses see competitive value of energy efficiency, but smaller firms struggle to access solutions
CEOs value energy efficiency, but SMEs struggle to benefit Energy efficiency is a strategic asset for industrial competitiveness. For companies facing tight margins, volatile energy prices and intensifying global competition, reducing energy waste is not only a cost-saving measure, but also a way to protect productivity, manage risk and strengthen their position in global markets. Yet not all firms have the same capacity to quickly improve their energy efficiency.New analysis of the 2025 IEA Industrial Competitiveness Survey – which covered 1 000 companies across 14 countries – shows that business leaders view energy efficiency as closely linked to their competitive performance…
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Luxembourg 2026
Energy Policy Review Government action plays a pivotal role in ensuring secure and sustainable energy transitions. Energy policy is critical not just for the energy sector but also for meeting environmental, economic and social goals. Governments need to respond to their country’s specific needs, adapt to regional contexts and help address global challenges. In this context, the International Energy Agency (IEA) conducts Energy Policy Reviews to support governments in developing more impactful energy and climate policies.This Energy Policy Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and the IEA. It draws on the IEA’s extensive…
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Global Hydrogen Review 2025
Global Hydrogen Review 2025 The Global Hydrogen Review is an annual publication by the International Energy Agency that tracks hydrogen production and demand worldwide, shedding light on the latest developments on policy, infrastructure, trade, investments and innovation. The report is an output of the Clean Energy Ministerial Hydrogen Initiative and is intended to provide an update to energy sector stakeholders on the status and future prospects of hydrogen, and to inform discussions at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting organised by Japan.The sector has progressed significantly since the first publication of the Global Hydrogen Review in 2021. Low-emissions hydrogen…
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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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Romania
By 2020, the objective of Romania is to guarantee the efficient operation of its energy system under security conditions. Romania also plans to meet the obligations set by EU in terms of greenhouse gas emissions through its legislative package “Climate changes – renewable energies”.
- Overview
- Energy mix
- Emissions
- Electricity
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+ 5 pages
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Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
From peak management to efficient system operation This report has been developed as part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) initiative to examine the growing importance of demand flexibility in electricity systems amid rising demand, increased renewable energy integration and the electrification of power systems. Case studies in chronological order to examine the changing role of demand flexibility over time from South Africa (2025), Thailand (2030) and Ireland (2035) demonstrate how demand flexibility improves reliability, reduces costs, supports renewables integration and manages network constraints. To realise these benefits, the report emphasises the role for…
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Energy and AI
Energy and AI The development and uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated in recent years – elevating the question of what widespread deployment of the technology will mean for the energy sector. There is no AI without energy – specifically electricity for data centres. At the same time, AI could transform how the energy industry operates if it is adopted at scale. However, until now, policy makers and other stakeholders have often lacked the tools to analyse both sides of this issue due to a lack of comprehensive data. This report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) aims to fill this…
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Delivering on the EU’s electrification ambitions
EU paper The EU has ambitious goals for electrification Electrification is a key pillar of the EU’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate strategy. Today, imported fuels account for around 60% of the EU’s total energy demand and cost the bloc EUR 380 billion in 2024. The risks associated with the EU’s reliance on fuel imports have been highlighted by recent market disruptions linked to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in the Middle East, bringing renewed attention to the EU’s target of increasing electrification from 24% today to 32% of…
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Overview graphic: key technology trends for EVs
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly at the centre of innovation in the automotive sector, bringing advances that extend far beyond developments in batteries and power electronics, thanks to several mutually reinforcing factors. Key technology trends are aligning in favour of EVs Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are mechanically simpler than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) or hybrids, making them more compatible with digitalisation and automation. The relative simplicity of electric drivetrains enables shorter development cycles for new vehicles, allowing emerging technologies to reach BEVs sooner than vehicles with other powertrains.While the transition from mechanical to software…
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Best Practices and Insights to Expand Clean Energy Access and Adoption
This report was commissioned by the European Commission to serve as a technical repository of analysis and evidence-based practices in support of the Campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, Fairness and Access to Clean Energy Technologies. The analysis presented draws on discussions and research shared during the Widening Participation in Clean Energy workshop held in Brussels, contributions presented at the official all-member meetings of the Campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, and the IEA’s analytical work in areas such as people-centred clean energy transitions, affordability, energy efficiency and clean energy access.This work is organised into three chapters, each corresponding…
