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Korea 2025 Executive summary
The energy crises resulting from the global Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine propelled carbon neutrality and energy security to the forefront of Korea’s energy policy. Despite robust growth in gross domestic product (GDP), Korea has managed to stabilise and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent years following a peak around 2018. Nonetheless, it faces challenges in fully decoupling emissions from economic growth. Notable among these challenges is the continued reliance on coal and the need for further expanding renewable energy technologies.Addressing Korea’s challenges will require sustained policy efforts, domestic…
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Czechia 2025 Executive summary
The Czech Republic (Czechia) aims to phase out coal at an almost unprecedented pace. The IEA commends Czechia for such an ambitious phase-out. Coal is a major fuel source in Czechia, currently providing more than one-third of Czechia’s electricity and half of its district heating. Coal-fired plants are slated for retirement by 2033, but economic drivers may close them earlier. This would be an extraordinary transformation of Czechia’s energy system. The transition from its fossil fuel legacy can be a springboard to building a vibrant clean energy economy. But it is not without challenges, such…
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Designing Energy Efficiency Policies to Enhance Affordability
Examples from G7 countries Energy affordability has emerged as a critical concern in the context of rising global energy prices and growing inequality in energy access. Lower-income households spend a significantly higher share of their income on energy than wealthier households, leaving them exposed to price shocks and especially vulnerable when energy prices increase. Energy efficiency can play a key role in delivering lower energy bills, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience. However, ensuring that all households benefit requires targeted, inclusive policy design.This issue was a central focus of an IEA workshop held in January 2025 with G7 country…
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Energy System Resilience Executive summary
Ensuring the resilience of energy systems – or their capacity to prepare for disruptions, withstand shocks while maintaining operations, and rapidly restore service – plays a key role in managing many of today’s emerging security risks, from weather disruptions to geopolitical tensions. Energy security encompasses both long-term adequacy through infrastructure investment and diverse supply sources, and short-term resilience for events beyond standard planning conditions. While countries face different threats – from extreme and severe weather to cyberattacks and infrastructure failures – a common challenge is to design adaptable systems that can respond rapidly, isolate affected components, and restore supply services swiftly…
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Energy Efficiency 2025 Buildings
How and where is energy used? Total final consumption in 2024 was over 450 EJ and has grown by around 25 EJ since 2019. Buildings account for around 30% of global energy demand and have contributed around 20% of the growth in total demand since 2019. The residential sector makes up about 70% of total energy demand in buildings, while the remaining 30% is used in commercial and public buildings.In advanced economies, most energy in homes is used for space and water heating, together accounting for about 70%. This is followed by the use of electrical appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions…
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Global Energy and Climate Model Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS)
The Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) has a long pedigree in the International Energy Agency (IEA) family of scenarios. It was introduced in 2019 with this name, but it has much in common with the previous New Policies Scenario that dates back to the 2010 edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO). The intention of this scenario is to reflect the prevailing direction of travel for the energy system based on a detailed reading of the latest policy settings in countries around the world. It takes into account specific energy, climate and related industrial policies that have been adopted or put…
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Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit Financing Energy Efficiency
Global energy investment continues to grow despite a challenging geopolitical environment. According to the IEA’s World Energy Investment 2026 report, total spending is expected to reach USD 3.4 trillion in 2026, a 5% increase from 2025. Clean energy investment is projected to remain around USD 2.2 trillion, representing nearly two‑thirds of total energy spending and continuing to outpace fossil fuels. Investment in electricity systems such as grids, storage, and electrification, is increasingly driven by energy security concerns and rising electricity demand. Energy efficiency also remains essential to strengthening system resilience, reducing costs for consumers and businesses, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions…
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Indicators Handbook for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions
Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions: Designing for Fairness The Indicators Handbook is based on the voluntary G20 Principles for Just and Inclusive Transitions, endorsed by G20 leaders in November 2024. The principles, which reflect varying perspectives, contexts and experiences, form a framework for approaching transitions that maximises benefits and mitigates the risk of unintended consequences. Designed as a technical resource, the Indicators Handbook provides guidance for governments and other stakeholders on identifying relevant indicators as a first step towards tracking policy design and implementation in line with the G20 Principles for Just and Inclusive Transitions. The Handbook…
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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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Ukraine’s Energy Security A pre-winter assessment
Ukraine’s energy sector continues to be a major target of Russian missile and drone attacks As Ukraine enters its fourth winter of the war, energy infrastructure continues to be targeted by Russian attacks. Ukraine’s natural gas and power infrastructure remain vulnerable, with an increasing number of missiles and drones striking critical plants and pipelines. At the same time, evolving tactics and technologies are present a persistent challenge for Ukraine’s air and passive defences.Energy security is central to Ukraine’s overall security. Ensuring that Ukrainian citizens retain access to heat and power is of the utmost importance…
