COP28: Tracking the Energy Outcomes
Supporting and reporting on global progress
Nearly 200 countries made major collective pledges on energy at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai with the aim of keeping within reach the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. For the first time, governments explicitly recognised that to achieve this target, energy-related emissions need to reach net zero by 2050, and they set key goals to help meet this objective – including tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling global energy efficiency improvements by 2030, and deploying emerging technologies, such as low-emissions hydrogen and carbon capture.
The IEA, in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, is tracking progress towards the energy objectives established at COP28. This forms part of our broader work, at the request of governments, to support the full and timely implementation of the energy promises made in Dubai by identifying pathways forward and providing policy makers with advice on accelerating national and secure clean energy transitions. The IEA's landmark 2024 report, From Taking Stock to Taking Action: How to implement the COP28 energy goals, explores the risks of partial implementation and discusses how countries can integrate the objectives set at COP28 into their next round of targets under the Paris Agreement.
The sections below follow the energy targets laid out in Paragraph 28 of the COP28 Global Stocktake outcome (which can be found in full here). They show where the world currently stands in relation to these objectives, as well as where it would need to be in 2030 to meet them – and be on a pathway to net zero energy sector emissions by mid-century. This assessment is based on the latest comprehensive energy sector data, as compiled for the Global Energy Review 2025.
This page represents the latest IEA data, analysis and scenarios and is updated as new material becomes available.
To view charts with the latest tracking data, click the grey arrows on the righthand side of the page.
Global tracking indicators
In 2024, new renewables installations hit record levels for the 22nd consecutive year. Around 700 gigawatts (GW) of total renewable capacity was added globally. Given this trajectory, there is a real chance of achieving the goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 that governments set at COP28. Currently, renewable power capacity is on track to increase by more than two-and-a-half times from 2022 levels by the end of the decade – signalling that the world still needs to accelerate renewables deployment to reach the tripling objective.
Check out our 2024 report on what is needed for countries to align their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement with the tripling goal. The report includes targeted actions to overcome remaining challenges in boosting deployment. You can also explore the latest edition of our annual market report on renewables and our Renewable Energy Progress Tracker, which allows users to dig into historical data and projections at the regional and country level.
In 2024, new renewables installations hit record levels for the 22nd consecutive year. Around 700 gigawatts (GW) of total renewable capacity was added globally. Given this trajectory, there is a real chance of achieving the goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 that governments set at COP28. Currently, renewable power capacity is on track to increase by more than two-and-a-half times from 2022 levels by the end of the decade – signalling that the world still needs to accelerate renewables deployment to reach the tripling objective.
Check out our 2024 report on what is needed for countries to align their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement with the tripling goal. The report includes targeted actions to overcome remaining challenges in boosting deployment. You can also explore the latest edition of our annual market report on renewables and our Renewable Energy Progress Tracker, which allows users to dig into historical data and projections at the regional and country level.
Global renewable energy capacity and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Triple renewable power capacity globally by 2030
Governments agreed at COP28 to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Using 2022 as a baseline, that would require annual progress to average more than 4% per year between now and 2030. According to the latest IEA data, energy intensity – a key measure of efficiency – improved by just 1% in 2024.
Explore our Energy Efficiency 2024 report for more analysis, plus our Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit for the latest guidance for governments on effective policies and best practices. The IEA will soon host its 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, complementing our Energy Efficiency Training Weeks.
Governments agreed at COP28 to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Using 2022 as a baseline, that would require annual progress to average more than 4% per year between now and 2030. According to the latest IEA data, energy intensity – a key measure of efficiency – improved by just 1% in 2024.
Explore our Energy Efficiency 2024 report for more analysis, plus our Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit for the latest guidance for governments on effective policies and best practices. The IEA will soon host its 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, complementing our Energy Efficiency Training Weeks.
Improvement in global energy efficiency and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Double the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030
Electricity generated worldwide from coal – the largest single source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activity – reached an all-time high in 2024. But a turning point could arrive soon: under today’s policy settings, coal demand is projected to peak before the end of this decade and decline gradually. However, to meet global climate goals, a much faster decrease would be necessary.
Learn more in our report, Accelerating Just Transitions for the Coal Sector, which offers pragmatic strategies for policy makers to transition away from unabated coal power while maintaining energy security and affordability, and protecting local communities with strong economic and social ties to coal production and use.
Electricity generated worldwide from coal – the largest single source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activity – reached an all-time high in 2024. But a turning point could arrive soon: under today’s policy settings, coal demand is projected to peak before the end of this decade and decline gradually. However, to meet global climate goals, a much faster decrease would be necessary.
Learn more in our report, Accelerating Just Transitions for the Coal Sector, which offers pragmatic strategies for policy makers to transition away from unabated coal power while maintaining energy security and affordability, and protecting local communities with strong economic and social ties to coal production and use.
Global electricity generation from coal and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Accelerate efforts to phase down unabated coal power
To keep the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C within reach, the COP28 outcome recognised that the energy sector needs to reach net zero emissions by 2050, utilising zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century.
Strong growth in clean energy has limited annual increases in energy-related CO2 emissions in recent years. However, these emissions still rose to a record high in 2024.
Our Global Energy Review 2025, provides an update on recent trends in energy-related emissions.
To keep the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C within reach, the COP28 outcome recognised that the energy sector needs to reach net zero emissions by 2050, utilising zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century.
Strong growth in clean energy has limited annual increases in energy-related CO2 emissions in recent years. However, these emissions still rose to a record high in 2024.
Our Global Energy Review 2025, provides an update on recent trends in energy-related emissions.
Global energy sector CO2 emissions and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Accelerate efforts globally towards net zero emission energy systems well before or by around mid-century
COP28 marked the first time that nearly 200 countries agreed on the need to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems – with action accelerating in this critical decade to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.
On a pathway to net zero by 2050, fossil fuel demand would need to decline substantially from 2022 levels by the end of the decade, enabled by rapid growth in clean energy.
Our special report, The Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions, lays out near-term actions the sector could take to help the world achieve its climate ambitions.
COP28 marked the first time that nearly 200 countries agreed on the need to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems – with action accelerating in this critical decade to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.
On a pathway to net zero by 2050, fossil fuel demand would need to decline substantially from 2022 levels by the end of the decade, enabled by rapid growth in clean energy.
Our special report, The Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions, lays out near-term actions the sector could take to help the world achieve its climate ambitions.
Global fossil fuel demand and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems…
The COP28 agreement stipulates that the transition away from fossil fuels must be just, orderly and equitable. There are many metrics that can be used to assess whether transitions meet these standards. Though none capture the entire picture, we provide here a few important data points worth monitoring.
Currently, clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies is lacklustre outside of China, indicating that these economies are missing out on clean energy opportunities. Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies including China needs to triple from 2022 levels by 2030 on a pathway to net zero by 2050.
More details on what is needed from the private sector can be found in the report Scaling Up Private Finance for Clean Energy in Emerging and Developing Economies developed with the International Finance Corporation. The report Reducing the Cost of Capital includes recommendations for improving access to financing in emerging economies.
To achieve orderly and secure transitions, it is important to sequence the scaling up of investment in clean energy and the decline in investment in fossil fuel supplies in order to avoid damaging price spikes or stranded assets.
Learn more in our new special report, Strategies for Affordable and Fair Clean Energy Transitions, and in our World Energy Investment 2025 report, which looks at the energy investment landscape.
The COP28 agreement stipulates that the transition away from fossil fuels must be just, orderly and equitable. There are many metrics that can be used to assess whether transitions meet these standards. Though none capture the entire picture, we provide here a few important data points worth monitoring.
Currently, clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies is lacklustre outside of China, indicating that these economies are missing out on clean energy opportunities. Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies including China needs to triple from 2022 levels by 2030 on a pathway to net zero by 2050.
More details on what is needed from the private sector can be found in the report Scaling Up Private Finance for Clean Energy in Emerging and Developing Economies developed with the International Finance Corporation. The report Reducing the Cost of Capital includes recommendations for improving access to financing in emerging economies.
To achieve orderly and secure transitions, it is important to sequence the scaling up of investment in clean energy and the decline in investment in fossil fuel supplies in order to avoid damaging price spikes or stranded assets.
Learn more in our new special report, Strategies for Affordable and Fair Clean Energy Transitions, and in our World Energy Investment 2025 report, which looks at the energy investment landscape.
The IEA's modelling also incorporates pathways towards achieving universal energy access by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). More than a billion people have gained access to electricity since 2010. However, the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and global energy crisis led the number of people without electricity to increase for the first time in 2022. Progress resumed in 2023, and early data for 2024 suggested that improvements continued last year at a similar pace. Even so, they remained far behind the levels required in most countries to reach universal access by 2030.
The world also remains off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. More than 2 billion people still using polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, with serious negative consequences for health, economic development, gender equity and the climate.
Explore the latest IEA analysis on energy access trends, and learn more about delivering universal clean cooking access in A Vision for Clean Cooking Access for All. The IEA and its partners recently convened the first Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, which mobilised substantial financing to help deliver a turning point on this issue.
It is crucial to maximise the number of high-quality jobs linked to the evolving energy economy. In 2023, employment in the energy sector grew at a strong pace. The largest increase was for jobs in the clean energy sector, which rose by 1.5 million.
On a pathway aligned with achieving the COP28 goals, the global energy sector employs close to 25% more workers in 2030 than it did in 2023 – though jobs may not always be in the same location or require the same skills. This makes it essential to substantially expand support for job training and capacity building in order to ensure that energy transitions benefit as many people as possible.
The latest data on energy sector employment can be found in our World Energy Employment 2024 report. For an online repository of best practice case studies on people-centred and inclusive clean energy programmes and policies, visit our Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions.
The IEA's modelling also incorporates pathways towards achieving universal energy access by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). More than a billion people have gained access to electricity since 2010. However, the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and global energy crisis led the number of people without electricity to increase for the first time in 2022. Progress resumed in 2023, and early data for 2024 suggested that improvements continued last year at a similar pace. Even so, they remained far behind the levels required in most countries to reach universal access by 2030.
The world also remains off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. More than 2 billion people still using polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, with serious negative consequences for health, economic development, gender equity and the climate.
Explore the latest IEA analysis on energy access trends, and learn more about delivering universal clean cooking access in A Vision for Clean Cooking Access for All. The IEA and its partners recently convened the first Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, which mobilised substantial financing to help deliver a turning point on this issue.
It is crucial to maximise the number of high-quality jobs linked to the evolving energy economy. In 2023, employment in the energy sector grew at a strong pace. The largest increase was for jobs in the clean energy sector, which rose by 1.5 million.
On a pathway aligned with achieving the COP28 goals, the global energy sector employs close to 25% more workers in 2030 than it did in 2023 – though jobs may not always be in the same location or require the same skills. This makes it essential to substantially expand support for job training and capacity building in order to ensure that energy transitions benefit as many people as possible.
The latest data on energy sector employment can be found in our World Energy Employment 2024 report. For an online repository of best practice case studies on people-centred and inclusive clean energy programmes and policies, visit our Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions.
The COP28 agreement notes that the full range of zero- and low-emissions technologies is needed to reach net zero emissions by mid-century – including renewables; nuclear; abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), particularly in sectors where emissions are hard to abate; and low-emissions hydrogen.
Low-emissions hydrogen and CCUS capacity (including for direct air capture) rise strongly on a pathway aligned with the COP28 goals. Nuclear power is a more mature technology, though capacity also needs to increase strongly by 2030 to reach net zero emissions by mid-century.
Explore the IEA’s recent report The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy. We have also published a handbook on building commercial markets for CCUS and tracking current projects in our CCUS database.
The latest analysis on hydrogen can be found in the annual Global Hydrogen Review, while a complementary database tracks active projects and infrastructure development. And read our 2022 report Nuclear Power and Secure Energy Transitions, which explores the role of nuclear power in meeting global energy and climate goals.
The COP28 agreement notes that the full range of zero- and low-emissions technologies is needed to reach net zero emissions by mid-century – including renewables; nuclear; abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), particularly in sectors where emissions are hard to abate; and low-emissions hydrogen.
Low-emissions hydrogen and CCUS capacity (including for direct air capture) rise strongly on a pathway aligned with the COP28 goals. Nuclear power is a more mature technology, though capacity also needs to increase strongly by 2030 to reach net zero emissions by mid-century.
Explore the IEA’s recent report The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy. We have also published a handbook on building commercial markets for CCUS and tracking current projects in our CCUS database.
The latest analysis on hydrogen can be found in the annual Global Hydrogen Review, while a complementary database tracks active projects and infrastructure development. And read our 2022 report Nuclear Power and Secure Energy Transitions, which explores the role of nuclear power in meeting global energy and climate goals.
Global CO2 emissions captured and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Accelerate zero- and low-emissions technologies
Global low-emissions hydrogen production and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Accelerate zero- and low-emissions technologies
Global nuclear power capacity and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Accelerate zero- and low-emissions technologies
The COP28 agreement calls for substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally and emphasises the need to cut methane emissions this decade in particular.
Record global production of oil, gas and coal – along with limited mitigation efforts to date – have kept methane emissions from the energy sector worldwide above 120 million tonnes annually. However, efforts to bolster data collection and monitor methane leaks are making progress.
Learn more in our Global Methane Tracker 2025 report, and explore key strategies to cut methane emissions from oil and gas operations. We’ve also published a regulatory roadmap and toolkit to reduce methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.
The COP28 agreement calls for substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally and emphasises the need to cut methane emissions this decade in particular.
Record global production of oil, gas and coal – along with limited mitigation efforts to date – have kept methane emissions from the energy sector worldwide above 120 million tonnes annually. However, efforts to bolster data collection and monitor methane leaks are making progress.
Learn more in our Global Methane Tracker 2025 report, and explore key strategies to cut methane emissions from oil and gas operations. We’ve also published a regulatory roadmap and toolkit to reduce methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.
Global methane emissions from fossil fuels and COP28 pathway, 2030
Open
Substantially reduce methane emissions by 2030
Governments agreed at COP28 to accelerate the reduction of emissions from road transport, including through the development of public transport infrastructure and the rapid deployment of zero- and low-emissions vehicles.
While there are multiple technical solutions to reduce emissions from road transport, electrification is a key one. Global sales of electric cars rose by over 25% in 2024, surpassing 17 million units and accounting for one-fifth of all car sales. Meanwhile, around one in ten two- and three-wheelers on the road globally is now electric.
To match a COP28-aligned pathway, adoption must continue to spread more broadly around the world.
Find out more in the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2025.
Governments agreed at COP28 to accelerate the reduction of emissions from road transport, including through the development of public transport infrastructure and the rapid deployment of zero- and low-emissions vehicles.
While there are multiple technical solutions to reduce emissions from road transport, electrification is a key one. Global sales of electric cars rose by over 25% in 2024, surpassing 17 million units and accounting for one-fifth of all car sales. Meanwhile, around one in ten two- and three-wheelers on the road globally is now electric.
To match a COP28-aligned pathway, adoption must continue to spread more broadly around the world.
Find out more in the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2025.
The COP28 agreement calls for phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions as soon as possible.
At the height of the global energy crisis in 2022, fossil fuel subsidies soared. Those for natural gas and electricity consumption more than doubled compared with 2021, while oil subsidies rose by around 85%. The total value of subsidies declined in 2023 as some government provisions expired, while many others are tied directly to energy prices, which pulled back from record highs in many parts of the world.
Explore the IEA’s Fossil Fuel Subsidies Database for more information on consumption subsidies in select countries through 2022.
The COP28 agreement calls for phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions as soon as possible.
At the height of the global energy crisis in 2022, fossil fuel subsidies soared. Those for natural gas and electricity consumption more than doubled compared with 2021, while oil subsidies rose by around 85%. The total value of subsidies declined in 2023 as some government provisions expired, while many others are tied directly to energy prices, which pulled back from record highs in many parts of the world.
Explore the IEA’s Fossil Fuel Subsidies Database for more information on consumption subsidies in select countries through 2022.
Global fossil fuel consumption subsidies, 2015-2023
Open
Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies
Next steps
Following the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake process at COP28, countries are developing the second cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, under the Paris Agreement. Strong ambition and implementation of these NDCs will be crucial in determining the pace at which global greenhouse gas emissions decline over the next decade.
The IEA is working with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and sharing data, analysis and policy advice with governments to inform this process.
Our Climate Pledges Explorer tracks existing NDCs and net zero targets for more than 190 countries. The interactive database, which also lays out what each country’s NDC implies for energy sector emissions, is updated regularly.
The IEA collaborates closely with governments around the world. Our Agency collects and shares key energy and climate data, while developing analysis and delivering policy advice to help countries achieve the energy and climate goals they have set. This work also involves publishing country- and region-specific reports and roadmaps; convening experts and leaders to facilitate the exchange of ideas and insights; and building new tools to present the latest data to decision-makers.
We are also convening our third series of High-Level Energy Transition Dialogues this year in partnership with the Brazilian COP30 Presidency, with a focus advancing implementation of COP-related energy commitments, increasing ambition on NDCs, and boosting financing for secure and just energy transitions. By engaging both public and private sector leaders, these dialogues will help shape the energy-related activities, outputs and outcomes of COP30 – building on the important role these Dialogues played ahead of COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.