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The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient
…opportunity for the next phase of LED adoption – one that is focused on higher performance, longer lifetimes and smarter systems. Global LED adoption is moving at three speeds The global shift to LEDs has been strongly supported by government policies. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) – which now cover about 110 countries – and labelling schemes have been key drivers. Energy efficiency obligation schemes, such as white certificates and renovation programs, have also helped stimulate LED adoption. In addition, international agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with more than 150 Parties, are further accelerating the shift away from fluorescent lighting…
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Indicators Handbook for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions
…institutional capacities and national policy landscapes. On the global stage, these indicators can also support countries as they develop their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other climate and adaptation strategies. The Indicators Handbook for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions was launched at the meeting of the Global Commission on 9 October 2025 in Durban, South Africa as part of the official programme of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting. It is an official South Africa G20 Presidency document, developed by the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions in collaboration with the South Africa G20 Presidency Secretariat and its local partners.
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Designing Energy Efficiency Policies to Enhance Affordability
…As part of this work, the IEA conducted a survey with G7 governments to better understand the obstacles they face. On the consumer side, major challenges include the landlord-tenant split incentive, high upfront costs and administrative complexity. On the supply side, governments identified skills shortages and difficulties in reaching underserved communities.The report analyses the affordability-focused energy efficiency policies of G7 countries. These include targeted financial support, simplified programme design, strong local delivery models, and better integration with workforce development. Embedding affordability into energy efficiency policy is critical to reducing energy poverty and ensuring people-centred energy transitions.
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Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 Innovation in mining, refining and recycling to promote diversification
…and Uganda. International collaborations can also play a vital role in addressing technology bottlenecks in building diversified supplies Diversifying supply sources face significant technological and cost bottlenecks that stem from gaps in processing expertise, environmental regulations, and capital and operating costs. Addressing these gaps requires innovation in extraction, refining and recycling technologies, alongside strategic investments in alternative processing methods, supply chain partnerships and policy frameworks that can accelerate the development of diversified midstream capabilities.Recent export restrictions by China on LFP cathode production, rare earth separation and lithium refining technologies highlight the importance of technology in establishing geographically diverse refining…
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Financing the ASEAN Power Grid
…how these assets are financed in practice and what must change to make them bankable for a wide set of potential investors.By quantifying total investment needs and potential sources of finance, identifying key barriers and offering clear, actionable recommendations, this report aims to equip policy makers, regulators, utilities, financiers and private‑sector stakeholders with the guidance needed to accelerate the financing and implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid. This analysis has been supported by the Clean Energy Transitions Programme, the IEA’s flagship initiative to transform the world’s energy system to achieve a secure and sustainable future for all.
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China’s Official Energy Finance in Emerging and Developing Economies Case 4. TFC Solar PV project in South Africa
Project overview and impact South Africa faces significant challenges regarding electricity reliability. The lack of investment, coupled with increasing demand have led to chronic load shedding, with household and industrial consumers affected. Energy-intensive sectors, such as ferrochrome smelting, face rising operational costs, production losses and growing pressure to reduce emissions in line with national and international climate objectives. To address power shortages, the South African government, since 2023, has allowed independent power producers to build power plants above 100 MW and sell electricity directly to private customers without an issued generation license.The Tubaste Ferrochrome (TFC) solar PV power…
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Land-Use Competition between Biodiversity and Net Zero Goals
A case study of Canada Meeting global targets for energy, climate, and biodiversity conservation has major implications for land use. To ensure that the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 aligns with the goal of protecting 30% of the planet’s land and water by the same date, robust mechanisms that direct solar and wind projects away from the world’s most biodiverse areas are needed. To address the potential impacts of renewable development on biodiversity, the IEA developed the Renewable Energy and Land-Use Model (REALM), which identifies areas of overlap between renewable projects, critical mineral mining, and…
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Rare Earth Elements
…the current state of the rare earth elements market, examining demand and supply dynamics and key technological developments. It analyses the full value chain from mining to permanent magnet production, evaluates vulnerabilities across supply chains, and highlights the implications of potential supply disruptions. Based on these analyses, the report outlines eight targeted policy recommendations that can pave the way for more secure, diversified and resilient rare earth element supply chains.The analysis is founded on the work of the IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme and aims to inform the discussions at the G7 meetings under the French Presidency in 2026.
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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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Artificial intelligence and EVs
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 Progress in AI and computing power is disproportionately benefiting EVs, particularly for automated driving and integrated vehicle control. Sensors and chips integrate well with the stable, high-voltage power supply of EV batteries. At the same time, the benefits of AI and increased computing power are not exclusive to EVs. AI‑enabled energy management systems are increasingly used to optimise hybrid vehicles, and AI techniques are accelerating the design, testing and optimisation of all vehicles. Advances in AI underpin progress in autonomous vehicles Just two decades ago, state-of-the-art autonomous vehicles were confined to test…