:International Energy Agency

{{Short description|Autonomous intergovernmental organisation}}

{{Primary sources|date=December 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = International Energy Agency

| established = {{start date and age|1974|11|18|df=yes}}

| logo = International Energy Agency (IEA) logo.svg

| logo_size = 180px

| map = IEA International Energy Agency Map.png

| abbreviation = IEA

| type = Autonomous intergovernmental organisation

| headquarters = 9, rue de la Fédération, Paris, France

| membership = {{Collapsible list

|titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;

|title = 31 member countries

|{{flaglist|Australia}}

|{{flaglist|Austria}}

|{{flaglist|Belgium}}

|{{flaglist|Canada}}

|{{flaglist|Czech Republic}}

|{{flaglist|Denmark}}

|{{flaglist|Estonia}}

|{{flaglist|Finland}}

|{{flaglist|France}}

|{{flaglist|Germany}}

|{{flaglist|Greece}}

|{{flaglist|Hungary}}

|{{flaglist|Ireland}}

|{{flaglist|Italy}}

|{{flaglist|Japan}}

|{{flaglist|Lithuania}}

|{{flaglist|Luxembourg}}

|{{flaglist|Mexico}}

|{{flaglist|Netherlands}}

|{{flaglist|New Zealand}}

|{{flaglist|Norway}}

|{{flaglist|Poland}}

|{{flaglist|Portugal}}

|{{flaglist|Slovakia}}

|{{flaglist|South Korea}}

|{{flaglist|Spain}}

|{{flaglist|Sweden}}

|{{flaglist|Switzerland}}

|{{flaglist|Turkey}}

|{{flaglist|United Kingdom}}

|{{flaglist|United States}}

}}

| languages = English

| leader_title = Executive Director

| leader_name = Fatih Birol

| leader_title2 = Deputy Executive Director

| leader_name2 = Mary Burce Warlick

| budget = €61.8m (2022){{cite web|url=https://www.iea.org/about/structure|title=Structure - About - IEA|author=International Energy Agency|page=|date=2024-09-23|access-date=2024-10-12|archive-date=31 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731192528/https://www.iea.org/about/structure|url-status=live}}

| website = {{official URL}}

| footnotes =

| native_name =

| msize =

| mcaption = {{legend|#084081|Member countries|border=1px #000 solid;}}{{legend|#0868AC|Association countries|border=1px #000 solid;}}

{{legend|#41B6C4|Accession countries|border=1px #000 solid;}}

| motto =

}}

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, established in 1974, that provides policy recommendations, analysis and data on the global energy sector.{{Cite web |url=https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100010487 |url-access= |title=International Energy Agency (IEA) |author1=Staff writer |year=2024 |department=UIA Global Civil Society Database |website=uia.org |publisher=Union of International Associations |agency=Yearbook of International Organizations Online |location=Brussels, Belgium |format= |arxiv= |asin= |bibcode= |doi= |isbn= |issn= |jfm= |jstor= |lccn= |mr= |oclc= |ol= |osti= |pmc= |pmid= |rfc= |ssrn= |zbl= |id= |access-date=12 January 2025 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |quote= |trans-quote= }} The 31 member countries and 13{{Cite web |title=Kenya and Senegal to join the IEA – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/kenya-and-senegal-to-join-the-iea |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=IEA |date=22 June 2023 |language=en-GB}} association countries of the IEA represent 75% of global energy demand.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |title=History – About |url=https://www.iea.org/about/history |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025164432/https://www.iea.org/about/history |url-status=live }}

The IEA was set up under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis to respond to physical disruptions in global oil supplies, provide data and statistics about the global oil market and energy sector, promote energy savings and conservation, and establish international technical collaboration.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |title=Membership – About |url=https://www.iea.org/about/membership |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115141331/https://www.iea.org/about/membership |url-status=live }} Since its founding, the IEA has also coordinated use of the oil reserves that its members are required to hold.

By regularly underestimating the role of renewable energies and overestimating the growth of nuclear energy, the IEA promotes the nuclear industry.{{Cite web |title=Is the IEA underestimating renewables? – DW – 03/26/2018 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/is-the-iea-underestimating-renewables/a-43137071 |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=dw.com |language=en}}

In subsequent decades, the IEA's role expanded to cover the entire global energy system, encompassing traditional fuels such as gas, and coal as well as cleaner and fast-growing energy sources and technologies including renewable energy sources; solar photovoltaics, wind power, biofuels as well as nuclear power, and hydrogen, and the critical minerals needed for these technologies.

The core activity of the IEA is providing policy advice to its member states and Associated countries to support their energy security and advance their transition to clean energy. Recently, it has focused in particular on supporting global efforts to accelerate clean energy transition, mitigate climate change, reach net zero emissions, and prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5 °C.{{cite web |date=27 January 2021 |title=IEA pins climate change goals on developing world transition |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-iea-idUSKBN29W1Q8 |work=IEA}}{{Cite web |title=Investors step up pressure on global energy watchdog over climate change |url=http://news.trust.org/item/20191118073049-nsxvm |author1=Green, Matthew |author2=Ekblom, Jonas |date=2019-11-18 |access-date=2019-12-18 |publisher=Thomson Reuters}} All IEA member countries have signed the Paris Agreement which aims to limit warming to 1.5 °C, and two thirds of IEA member governments have made commitments to emission neutrality by 2050.

File:AustralianEmbassyParis.jpg, where the IEA headquarters are located]]

The IEA's current executive director is Fatih Birol, who took office in late 2015.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |date=7 March 2022 |title=Leadership |url=https://www.iea.org/about/leadership |access-date=19 May 2022 |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=15 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215064309/https://www.iea.org/about/leadership |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |date=25 March 2022 |title=IEA reappoints Fatih Birol for new term as Executive Director |url=https://www.iea.org/news/iea-reappoints-fatih-birol-for-new-term-as-executive-director |access-date=19 March 2022 |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325103127/https://www.iea.org/news/iea-reappoints-fatih-birol-for-new-term-as-executive-director |url-status=live }} IEA publishes a range of reports and other information including its flagship publication, the annual World Energy Outlook, as well as the Net Zero by 2050 report.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |date=24 March 2022 |title=2022 IEA Ministerial Communiqué – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/2022-iea-ministerial-communique |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720133551/https://www.iea.org/news/2022-iea-ministerial-communique |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |date=24 March 2022 |title=Press release |url=https://www.iea.org/news/at-iea-ministerial-meeting-global-energy-leaders-vow-to-strengthen-energy-security-and-accelerate-clean-energy-transitions |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723123307/https://www.iea.org/news/at-iea-ministerial-meeting-global-energy-leaders-vow-to-strengthen-energy-security-and-accelerate-clean-energy-transitions |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2020 |title=World Energy Outlook 2020 |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2020 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=International Energy Agency |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=22 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822044327/https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2020 |url-status=live }}

History

The IEA was founded on November 18, 1974, after the 1973 oil crisis, to avoid future shocks by helping to ensure reliable energy supplies, promote energy efficiency, ensure energy security and encourage technological research and innovation.{{Cite journal |last=Türk |first=Henning |year=2014 |title=The oil crisis of 1973 as a challenge to multilateral energy cooperation among Western industrialized countries |url=https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/40436 |journal=Historical Social Research |volume=39 (2014) |issue=2014 |pages=209–230 |issn=0172-6404 |doi=10.12759/hsr.39.2014.4.209-230 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |access-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430135535/https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/40436 |url-status=live }}

The Agreement on an International Energy Program (IEP Agreement) established the mandates and structure of the IEA, chartering it as an autonomous organisation under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 1996, the IEA relocated its headquarters from the Château de la Muette, which it shared with the OECD, to commercially leased space located within the Embassy of Australia, Paris.{{cite book |last=Bamberger |first=Craig S. |date=March 2004 |title=History of the International Energy Agency, Volume 4 |url=https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ecce7786-26cc-45af-8b80-c4fb0bfc3ab7/4_ieahistory.pdf |publisher=International Energy Agency |pages=71 |access-date=24 June 2024 |isbn=92-64-01493-4 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624145212/https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ecce7786-26cc-45af-8b80-c4fb0bfc3ab7/4_ieahistory.pdf |url-status=live }}

The IEA operates autonomously, with its own budget and governance structure. The organization began with 16 founding member countries{{Cite journal |last=Keohane |first=Robert O. |date=1978 |title=The International Energy Agency: State Influence and Transgovernmental Politics |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2706182 |journal=International Organization |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=929–951 |doi=10.1017/S0020818300032033 |jstor=2706182 |issn=0020-8183 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |access-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206032039/https://www.jstor.org/stable/2706182 |url-status=live }} and has since expanded to 31, with the latest addition being Lithuania in 2022. Full members of the IEA must also be members of the OECD and are required to hold 90 days worth of oil imports as emergency stocks. These emergency stocks can be released to stabilize oil markets worldwide and have been activated five times: January 1991 due to the Gulf War, 2005 after devastation in the Gulf of Mexico from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 2011 during the Libyan crisis, and twice in 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |date=3 May 2022 |title=Oil security – Energy security |url=https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work/ensuring-energy-security/oil-security |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802032751/https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work/ensuring-energy-security/oil-security |url-status=live }}

In addition to the emergency release mechanism, the IEA's initial mandates include reducing dependence on oil, developing alternative energy sources, energy research and development, and collaboration with oil-producing companies and countries to create a stable energy market. Members are expected to draw up plans on demand reduction and efficiency measures that can be implemented during energy emergencies.

In 2015, the IEA's chief economist Fatih Birol was appointed executive director, the first time an official from within the organization was picked to lead it.{{Cite web |last=OECD |date=15 November 1974 |title=DECISION OF THE COUNCIL: Establishing an International Energy Agency of the Organisation |url=https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ba8c3ef8-f5b3-45db-86d2-719502e8d4ef/decesionofthecouncil.pdf |publisher=IEA |location=Paris}} They have a mandate to modernize the agency on three major pillars: broadening the IEA's mandate on energy security beyond oil to include natural gas and electricity; increasing engagement in emerging economies through new Association partnerships; and expanding the IEA's core focus on clean energy technology and energy efficiency.{{Cite news |date=2015-02-13 |title=Fatih Birol nommé à la tête de l'Agence internationale de l'énergie |language=fr |work=Le Monde.fr |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2015/02/13/fatih-birol-nomme-a-la-tete-de-l-agence-internationale-de-l-energie_4576189_3234.html |access-date=2022-07-23 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517110220/https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2015/02/13/fatih-birol-nomme-a-la-tete-de-l-agence-internationale-de-l-energie_4576189_3234.html |url-status=live }}

File:Fatih Birol Opening Remarks (wne5883) (51716647955).jpg called on policymakers to do more to speed up the energy transition and reduce emissions.]]

The new category of "Association countries" was created in 2015,{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |date=18 November 2015 |title=Joint Ministerial Declaration on the occasion of the 2015 IEA Ministerial meeting expressing the Activation of Association |url=https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/9e4b932e-b553-4f2c-86c3-d677eddbae72/IEA_Association.pdf |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002002307/https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/9e4b932e-b553-4f2c-86c3-d677eddbae72/IEA_Association.pdf |url-status=live }} allowing countries that do not fit the criteria for IEA membership to become affiliated with the organization and participate in its work.{{Cite news |title=India becomes associate member of International Energy Agency |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-becomes-associate-member-of-international-energy-agency/articleshow/57925914.cms |access-date=2022-07-23 |archive-date=24 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224140700/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-becomes-associate-member-of-international-energy-agency/articleshow/57925914.cms |url-status=live }} China, Indonesia, and Thailand were the first to join and the IEA now has thirteen Association countries, including Ukraine since July 2022.{{Cite web |title=IEA and China deepen ties with extensive three-year work programme – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/iea-and-china-deepen-ties-with-extensive-three-year-work-programme |date=16 February 2017 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723123310/https://www.iea.org/news/iea-and-china-deepen-ties-with-extensive-three-year-work-programme |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ukraine to join the IEA as Association country – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/ukraine-to-join-the-iea-as-association-country |date=16 June 2022 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723123309/https://www.iea.org/news/ukraine-to-join-the-iea-as-association-country |url-status=live }} IEA member and Association countries represent over 75% of global energy consumption.

In 2021, IEA chief Fatih Birol called on policymakers to do more to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce emissions, saying that "Clean-energy technologies are slowly but surely going to replace the existing energy industry."{{cite magazine |title=Meet the Man Who Defines the Energy Markets—And Wants the World to Go Clean |url=https://time.com/6109434/fatih-birol-interview-cop26/ |first1=Justin |last1=Worland |magazine=TIME |date=28 October 2021 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212002857/https://time.com/6109434/fatih-birol-interview-cop26/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=World at 'beginning of end' of fossil fuel era, says global energy agency |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9df6003b-3760-4eee-b189-92c0247fa1a5 |work=Financial Times |date=12 September 2023 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925180846/https://www.ft.com/content/9df6003b-3760-4eee-b189-92c0247fa1a5 |url-status=live }}

After the IEA's 2022 Ministerial meeting, a bi-annual high-level meeting of IEA countries, member countries once again expanded the organisation's mandate to include accelerating the global clean energy transition by "supporting countries in the global effort to attain net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector by mid-century." The "IEA 3.0" mandate also doubles down on strengthening energy security and recognizes the importance of tracking critical minerals and materials to the clean energy transition.

Leadership

class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:left;"

|+ style="padding-top:1em;" |Executive Directors of the International Energy Agency

!No.

!Name

!Country of origin

!Took office

!Left office

!Previous position

!Ref.

1

|Ulf Lantzke

|{{flag|Germany}}

|1975

|31 March 1984

|Special Advisor on Energy Issues to the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

|{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |date=10 May 2022 |title=History |url=https://www.iea.org/about/history |access-date=17 May 2022 |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025164432/https://www.iea.org/about/history |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Scott |first=Richard |url=https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/b73b0800-ed54-48ba-bf16-cc6820b723a3/1ieahistory.pdf |title=The History of the International Energy Agency, 1974–1994 |publisher=International Energy Agency |year=1994 |volume=1 |location=Paris |pages=263 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001235542/https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/b73b0800-ed54-48ba-bf16-cc6820b723a3/1ieahistory.pdf |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Entry: Lantzke, Ulf |url=http://www.munzinger.de/document/00000016093 |access-date=17 May 2022 |publisher=Munzinger Online/Personen – Internationales Biographisches Archiv |location=Ravensburg, Germany |language=German}}

2

|Helga Steeg

|{{flag|Germany}}

|1 July 1984

|30 September 1994

|Director-General for Trade, Federal Ministry of Finance of the Federal Republic of Germany

|Scott, vol. 1, p. 260{{Cite book |last1=Long |first1=Russell B. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Na6ShnC3P2cC |title=Consensus or Confrontation: International Economic Policy at the Crossroads |last2=Ribicoff |first2=Abe |collaboration=U.S. Senate committee on Finance, Subcommittee on International Trade |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |year=1975 |publication-place=Washington, DC |pages=2}}Scott, vol. 4, p. 66

3

|Robert Priddle

|{{flag|United Kingdom

}

|1 December 1994

|31 December 2002

|Head of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, UK Department of Energy and Trade and Industry

|{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |date=17 January 2003 |title=Claude Mandil Elected Executive Director of the IEA |url=https://www.iea.org/news/claude-mandil-elected-executive-director-of-the-iea |access-date=17 May 2022 |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517110217/https://www.iea.org/news/claude-mandil-elected-executive-director-of-the-iea |url-status=live }}

|-

|4

|Claude Mandil

|{{flag|France}}

|1 February 2003

|31 August 2007

|Chairman and CEO of the Institut français du pétrole, 2000–2003

|{{Cite web |date=14 December 2006 |title=M. Nobuo TANAKA succèdera à M. Claude MANDIL à la tête de l'AIE |trans-title=Mr. Nobuo Tanaka will succeed Mr. Claude Mandil as head of the IEA |url=https://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/2136.php4 |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Actu-Environnement |language=fr |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306065515/https://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/2136.php4 |url-status=live }}

|-

|5

|Nobuo Tanaka

|{{flag|Japan}}

|1 September 2007

|31 August 2011

|Director for Science, Technology and Industry at the OECD, 1992–2007

|{{Cite press release |url=http://www.iea.org/files/ED_press.pdf |title=Nobuo Tanaka nominated to succeed Claude Mandil as IEA Executive Director in September 2007 |publisher=IEA |date=2006-12-14 |access-date=2011-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112080747/http://iea.org/files/ED_press.pdf |archive-date=2011-11-12 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite press release |url=http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1874 |title=Former Dutch Minister Maria van der Hoeven Named Next Executive Director of the IEA to Start in September 2011 |publisher=International Energy Agency |date=2011-03-11 |access-date=2011-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220042628/http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1874 |archive-date=2011-12-20 |url-status=dead}}

|-

|6

|Maria van der Hoeven

|{{flag|Netherlands}}

|1 September 2011

|31 August 2015

|Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, 2007–2010

|

|-

|7

|Fatih Birol

|{{flag|Turkey}}

|1 September 2015

|Incumbent

|Chief Economist, International Energy Agency

|{{Cite news |last=Bezat |first=Jean-Michel |date=13 February 2015 |title=Fatih Birol nommé à la tête de l'Agence internationale de l'énergie |language=French |trans-title=Fatih Birol nominated to head the International Energy Agency |work=Le Monde |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2015/02/13/fatih-birol-nomme-a-la-tete-de-l-agence-internationale-de-l-energie_4576189_3234.html |access-date=17 May 2022 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517110217/https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2015/02/13/fatih-birol-nomme-a-la-tete-de-l-agence-internationale-de-l-energie_4576189_3234.html |url-status=live }}

|}

Structure

The IEA's structure includes a Governing Board, Ministerial Meetings, and Standing Groups and Committees.{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |title=Structure – About |url=https://www.iea.org/about/structure |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |archive-date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731192528/https://www.iea.org/about/structure |url-status=live }}

The Governing Board constitutes the main decision-making body of the organisation. It is composed of member country representatives and meets three to four times a year. The Governing Board is responsible for the IEA's administrative proceedings and approving binding decisions in relation to energy developments.

The IEA Ministerial Meeting is the biennial gathering of energy ministers who determine the broad direction of the IEA. The Ministerial allows for the development of ideas which are subsequently put to the Governing Board.

Standing Groups meet multiple times a year and are made up of officials from member states. The IEA has several Standing Groups and Committees, focusing on energy research and technology, long-term cooperation, emergency preparedness, and other topics.

Membership

The 31 member countries and 13 association countries of the IEA represent 75% of global energy demand.

= Member countries =

Only OECD member states may join the IEA. Members are required to maintain total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90 days of the previous year's net imports.{{Cite web |title=IEA marks historic day in global energy governance with first member country in Latin America – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/iea-marks-historic-day-in-global-energy-governance-with-first-member-country-in-latin-america |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=18 February 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118113141/https://www.iea.org/news/iea-marks-historic-day-in-global-energy-governance-with-first-member-country-in-latin-america |url-status=live }} Member countries commit to respond to significant oil disruptions through a collective action to allow more crude oil to enter the global market.

class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 0.95em;"

! style="width:115px;" |Country

!Membership

!Notes

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Australia}}

| align="right" |1979

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Austria}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974{{Cite book |last=Scott |first=Richard |title=The History of the IEA, 1974–1994: The First 20 Years |publisher=International Energy Agency |year=1994 |location=Paris |pages=67}}

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Belgium}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Canada}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Czech Republic}}

| align="right" |5 February 2001

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Denmark}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Estonia}}

| align="right" |9 May 2014

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Finland}}

| align="right" |1992

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|France}}

| align="right" |1992

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Germany}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Greece}}

| align="right" |1976

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Hungary}}

| align="right" |3 June 1997

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Ireland}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Italy}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Japan}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Lithuania}}

| align="right" |2022

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Luxembourg}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Mexico}}

| align="right" |2018

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Netherlands}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|New Zealand}}

| align="right" |1977

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Norway}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member (under a special Agreement)

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Portugal}}

| align="right" |1981

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Poland}}

| align="right" |25 September 2008{{Cite web |title=AGENCE EUROPE – Poland becomes 28th member country of the IEA |url=https://www.iea.org/news/poland-becomes-28th-member-country-of-the-iea |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=iea.org |date=25 September 2008 |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618154322/https://www.iea.org/news/poland-becomes-28th-member-country-of-the-iea |url-status=live }}

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Slovakia}}

| align="right" |30 November 2007{{Cite web |title=Slovak Republic to become 27th member of the IEA |url=https://www.iea.org/news/slovak-republic-to-become-27th-member-of-the-iea |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=UPI |date=30 November 2007 |language=en |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625121054/https://www.iea.org/news/slovak-republic-to-become-27th-member-of-the-iea |url-status=live }}

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|South Korea}}

| align="right" |20 April 2001{{Cite web |last=International Energy Agency |author-link=International Energy Agency |date=20 April 2001 |title=Korea Joins International Energy Agency; Becomes IEA's Twenty-Sixth Member |url=https://www.iea.org/news/korea-joins-international-energy-agency-becomes-ieas-twenty-sixth-member |access-date=2022-05-25 |publisher=IEA |location=Paris |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525120845/https://www.iea.org/news/korea-joins-international-energy-agency-becomes-ieas-twenty-sixth-member |url-status=live }}

|

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Spain}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Sweden}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Switzerland}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|Turkey}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{nowrap|{{flag|United Kingdom}}}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

style="text-align:left;" |{{flag|United States}}

| align="right" |18 November 1974

|Founding member

= Accession countries =

Accession countries are those going through the process of becoming full members. The process involves authorisation by the Governing Board, discussions with the executive director, and the sharing of information related to the criteria for membership with the Secretariat.{{Cite book |last=Scott |first=Richard |url=https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/b73b0800-ed54-48ba-bf16-cc6820b723a3/1ieahistory.pdf |title=The History of the International Energy Agency, 1974–1994 |publisher=International Energy Agency |year=1994 |volume=1 |location=Paris |pages=336 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001235542/https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/b73b0800-ed54-48ba-bf16-cc6820b723a3/1ieahistory.pdf |url-status=live }}

The following countries are currently undergoing the accession process:

  • {{Flag|Chile}}
  • {{Flag|Colombia}}
  • {{Flag|Costa Rica}}
  • {{Flag|Israel}}
  • {{Flag|Latvia}}

= Association countries =

Association was formally launched in 2015 and currently includes 13 countries. The IEA collaborates with Association countries on a wide range of energy-related issues determined through joint programmes of work. Association countries may also participate in most Standing Groups and Ministerial meetings.{{Cite web |title=Singapore becomes IEA Association Country – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/singapore-becomes-iea-association-country |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=24 October 2016 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723142050/https://www.iea.org/news/singapore-becomes-iea-association-country |url-status=live }} Egypt and Argentina joined as Association countries in March 2022,{{Cite web |date=24 March 2022 |title=Argentina joins the International Energy Agency as a member – the Canadian News |url=https://thecanadian.news/argentina-joins-the-international-energy-agency-as-a-member/ |access-date=24 March 2022 |archive-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328202427/https://thecanadian.news/argentina-joins-the-international-energy-agency-as-a-member/ |url-status=live }} and Ukraine was formally invited on 16 June 2022, and joined in July 2022.{{Cite web |title=Ukraine signs association pact with the IEA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/19/ukraine-association-pact-international-energy-agency-iea |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730052007/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/19/ukraine-association-pact-international-energy-agency-iea |url-status=live }}

: {{Flag|Argentina}}

: {{Flag|Brazil}}

: {{Flag|China}}

: {{Flag|Egypt}}

: {{Flag|India}}

: {{Flag|Indonesia}}

: {{Flag|Kenya}}

: {{Flag|Morocco}}

: {{Flag|Senegal}}

: {{Flag|Singapore}}

: {{Flag|South Africa}}

: {{Flag|Thailand}}

: {{Flag|Ukraine}}

Areas of work

The IEA produces analyses on all energy sources and technologies, on global and regional markets, as well as specific country-level reports and studies on key technologies, minerals, and materials for the clean energy transition. It also produces comprehensive data and statistics for over 150 countries.

The IEA's analytical work is split into various categories including policy recommendations, tracking, market forecasts, technical roadmapping, and scenario analysis.

= Data =

The IEA publishes comprehensive data, statistics, and analysis that inform national energy policies and support long-term planning for energy sector investments. The IEA analyses and releases data and information on trends in energy supply, demand, prices, public research and development, and energy efficiency metrics. The data also serves to track short- and long-term trends in countries energy transitions.{{Cite web |title=Data overview |url=https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=30 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230104855/https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics |url-status=live }}

The Policies and Measures Database (PAMS) makes available to the public data on government policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions, support energy efficiency, and improve the development and use of renewable and clean energy sources. The database compiles data from several IEA and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) data sources dating back to 1999 and includes information on past, current, and planned policy measures.{{Cite web |title=Policy database – Data & Statistics |url=https://www.iea.org/policies/about |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226100041/https://www.iea.org/policies/about |url-status=live }}

= Scenarios =

IEA publications give projections based on sets of assumptions called scenarios. Currently-used scenarios include:

  • Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS): Assumes implementation of governments' existing policies and firm commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.{{Cite web |title=Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) – Global Energy and Climate Model – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/stated-policies-scenario-steps |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823000550/https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/stated-policies-scenario-steps |url-status=live }}
  • Announced Pledges Scenario (APS): Assumes implementation of policies as in the STEPS, and also assumes fulfillment of looser pledges that are not yet backed by policy and legislation.{{Cite web |title=Announced Pledges Scenario (APS) – Global Energy and Climate Model – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/announced-pledges-scenario-aps |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823000552/https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/announced-pledges-scenario-aps |url-status=live }}
  • Net Zero Scenario (NZE): Assumes implementation of the IEA's pathway to net zero emissions by 2050 while minimising cost and meeting key UN Sustainable Development Goals.{{Cite web |title=Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) – Global Energy and Climate Model – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/net-zero-emissions-by-2050-scenario-nze |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828023443/https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-and-climate-model/net-zero-emissions-by-2050-scenario-nze |url-status=live }}

Older scenarios include:

  • 450 Scenario: Environmental groups have become critical{{Cite web |date=2016-04-06 |title=Beyond 450: Why the IEA's "Climate Scenario" Falls Short |url=http://priceofoil.org/2016/04/06/beyond-450-why-the-iea-climate-scenario-falls-short/ |website=Oil Change International |first1=Greg |last1=Muttitt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930231218/https://priceofoil.org/2016/04/06/beyond-450-why-the-iea-climate-scenario-falls-short/ |archive-date= Sep 30, 2023 }}{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2016 |title=Modelling for climate success |url=http://priceofoil.org/content/uploads/2016/11/IEA-open-letter-modelling-for-climate-success-August-12-2016.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112132846/http://priceofoil.org/content/uploads/2016/11/IEA-open-letter-modelling-for-climate-success-August-12-2016.pdf |archive-date=Jan 12, 2024 |website=Oil Change International }} of the IEA's 450 Scenario (created to align with the 2009 Copenhagen Accord), contending it does not align with up-to-date climate science, nor is it consistent with the Paris climate agreement that aspires to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In March 2017, the IEA (along with IRENA) published a report{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Perspectives for the energy transition |url=http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/Perspectives_for_the_Energy_Transition_2017.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716220944/http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/Perspectives_for_the_Energy_Transition_2017.pdf |archive-date=Jul 16, 2020 |publisher=OECD/IEA and IRENA}} that considers a safer climate scenario than their current 450S. This scenario offers improved chances of limiting global warming to less than two degrees, but – according to research organization Oil Change International – still falls short of adequately addressing climate science and the decarbonization required to reach agreed upon global climate limits.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-05 |title=OFF TRACK: The IEA and Climate Change |url=http://priceofoil.org/2018/04/04/off-track-the-iea-and-climate-change/ |first1=Greg |last1=Muttitt |access-date=2019-12-18 |website=Oil Change International |language=en-US |archive-date=5 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005144220/http://priceofoil.org/2018/04/04/off-track-the-iea-and-climate-change/ |url-status=live }} The IEA has stopped updating this safer climate scenario
  • Sustainable Development Scenario: Concerns regarding the IEA's Sustainable Development Scenario (the successor to the 450 scenario) has also been raised by climate scientists and key financial institutions, who have called for 1.5°C scenario placed centrally in the World Energy Outlook. The IEA's Sustainable Development Scenario only gets to net-zero by 2070, two decades too late.

= Key publications =

World Energy Outlook (WEO)

{{Excerpt|World Energy Outlook|paragraphs=1, 2}}

File:Renewables 2022.pdf]]

Net Zero by 2050: a roadmap for the global energy sector

Net Zero by 2050 was published in May 2021 and presented the first comprehensive pathway for the global energy sector to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The report introduced the Net Zero Emissions scenario, showing how to transition to net zero by 2050 while maintaining secure and affordable energy supplies, extending energy access, and encouraging robust economic growth. The report was the basis for a game created by the IEA and the Financial Times in which players compete to see if they can reduce emissions to net zero.{{Cite web |title=The Climate Game — Can you reach net zero? |url=https://ig.ft.com/climate-game |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=FT |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |title=Net Zero by 2050 – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050 |date=May 2021 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519134912/https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050 |url-status=live }}

Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP)

First issued in 2006, ETP is a bi-annual guidebook on clean energy technology. The publication focuses on challenges, growth areas, and strengths of emerging clean energy technologies and their contribution to global energy and environmental policy-making.{{Cite web |title=Energy Technology Perspectives – Topics |url=https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-technology-perspectives |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803205348/https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-technology-perspectives |url-status=live }}

Global EV Outlook (GEVO)

Published annually with the support of the members of the Electric Vehicles Initiative, GEVO highlights and analyses recent developments in EVs and electric mobility. The publication combines historical analysis with projections to 2030 for topics such as charging infrastructure, {{CO2}} emissions, energy use, and related policy developments. The report includes policy recommendations to advance EV adoption.{{Cite web |title=Global EV Outlook 2022 – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2022 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=23 May 2022 |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804145050/https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2022 |url-status=live }}

Oil Market Report

First published in 1983, the monthly Oil Market Report analyses the global oil market, providing data and forecasts aimed for an audience of industry, financial, and government officials as well as an academic and NGO audience. Country specific analysis on trade and production tracks both OECD and non-OECD states.{{Cite web |title=Oil Market Report – Topics |url=https://www.iea.org/topics/oil-market-report |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803205639/https://www.iea.org/topics/oil-market-report |url-status=live }}

Electricity Market Report

The Electricity Market Report provides regular forecasts for global electricity demand, supply, generation and emissions, with a special focus on recent developments.{{Cite web |title=Areas of work |url=https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919190226/https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work |url-status=live }}

Gas Market Report

The Gas Market Report is updated quarterly, providing the latest developments and data for global gas markets.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is an annual report on global progress and developments in the crucial role that efficient appliances, equipment, buildings, transport and industry play in reducing energy use and the resulting emissions.

Renewable Energy Market Update

The Renewable Energy Market Update surveys new additions in global renewable power capacity and demand for biofuel. The report, which is updated several times a year, also discusses important variables and policy implications that may affect projections for the years to come.{{Cite web |title=Renewable Energy Market Update – May 2022 – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/renewable-energy-market-update-may-2022 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=11 May 2022 |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803182234/https://www.iea.org/reports/renewable-energy-market-update-may-2022 |url-status=live }}

World Energy Investment

The annual World Energy Investment tracks investment across the energy world, examining how investors are assessing risks and opportunities across all areas of fuel and electricity supply, critical minerals, efficiency and research and development.

Tracking Clean Energy Progress

TCEP reports on the status of 46 critical energy technologies and sectors needed to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century, and provides recommendations on how to accelerate their development and deployment.

Country Reviews

Since 1976, the IEA has published in-depth energy policy reviews. These country policy reviews are typically conducted every five years for member countries, and cover the full range of the country's energy systems and policies, with recent reports placing particular focus on progress towards reaching climate goals. The most recent reports were on Norway, Poland, Belgium, and Canada. The IEA also produces in-depth energy reviews of its accession and association countries, as well as partner countries.

= Energy Efficiency =

In its focus on energy efficiency, the IEA convenes policy leaders and other stakeholders with an eye toward scaling up progress on energy efficiency as a way to mitigate climate change, contribute to energy security, and deliver economic, and support economies and communities.{{Cite web |title=Energy efficiency – Topics |url=https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-efficiency |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803210459/https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-efficiency |url-status=live }} The IEA has created Energy Efficiency Indicators based on over ten years of data to highlight the drivers of individual nations' energy use in order to track energy efficiency and improve national policies. The data covers major sectors such as residential services, industry, and transport.{{Cite web |title=Energy Efficiency Indicators: Overview – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-efficiency-indicators-overview |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144731/https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-efficiency-indicators-overview |url-status=live }}

= Clean Energy Transitions Programme =

CETP's focus is to "accelerate global clean energy transitions, particularly in major emerging economies." The program supports governments whose energy policies will be key to the global energy transition and involves collaborative analytics, technology cooperation, stakeholder convenings, and training and capacity-building. CETP has identified Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa as priority countries as well as the regions of Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.{{Cite web |title=Clean Energy Transitions Programme – Programmes |url=https://www.iea.org/programmes/clean-energy-transitions-programme |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803211907/https://www.iea.org/programmes/clean-energy-transitions-programme |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Clean Energy Transitions Programme – Programmes and partnerships |url=https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work/programmes-and-partnerships/clean-energy-transitions-programme |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726141529/https://www.iea.org/areas-of-work/programmes-and-partnerships/clean-energy-transitions-programme |url-status=live }}

= People-Centered Clean Energy Transition =

As part of its work on the energy transition, the IEA convenes the Global Commission for People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions to "ensure the benefits and costs involved in the transformation of our energy system are distributed fairly and in a way that protects the most vulnerable in society." The approach focuses on skill development, jobs, worker protections, economic development, equity and fairness, social inclusion, and engaging individuals as stakeholders in the process.{{Cite web |title=Recommendations of the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/recommendations-of-the-global-commission-on-people-centred-clean-energy-transitions |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=26 October 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144748/https://www.iea.org/reports/recommendations-of-the-global-commission-on-people-centred-clean-energy-transitions |url-status=live }} The commission is composed of national leaders, government ministers, and representatives from civil society. In October 2021, the Commission published a report for twelve recommendations for a people-centered approach to the clean energy transition.{{Cite web |title=Global Commission of government leaders and prominent figures announces key recommendations for putting people at the centre of clean energy transitions – News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/global-commission-of-government-leaders-and-prominent-figures-announces-key-recommendations-for-putting-people-at-the-centre-of-clean-energy-transitions |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=26 October 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144733/https://www.iea.org/news/global-commission-of-government-leaders-and-prominent-figures-announces-key-recommendations-for-putting-people-at-the-centre-of-clean-energy-transitions |url-status=live }}

= Resilience of the Energy Sector to Climate Change Impacts =

Given the implications of climate change impacts for energy security, the IEA also works to understand climate impacts on energy systems and provide guidance on measures to improve their resilience to these impacts. This includes an assessment of hydropower under different climate scenarios{{Cite web |title=Climate Impacts on Latin American Hydropower – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-latin-american-hydropower |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=29 January 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144735/https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-latin-american-hydropower |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Climate impacts on African hydropower – Climate Impacts on African Hydropower – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-african-hydropower/climate-impacts-on-african-hydropower |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144743/https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-african-hydropower/climate-impacts-on-african-hydropower |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Climate Impacts on South and Southeast Asian Hydropower – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-south-and-southeast-asian-hydropower |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=20 December 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803112326/https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-impacts-on-south-and-southeast-asian-hydropower |url-status=live }} and a report focused on climate hazards for power systems and measures to enhance their climate resilience.{{Cite web |title=Climate Resilience – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-resilience |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=12 April 2021 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144729/https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-resilience |url-status=live }} The IEA also provides an overview of the level of climate hazards in its member countries, along with key planning and policy documents to address energy sector climate resilience.{{Cite web |title=Climate Resilience Policy Indicator – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/reports/climate-resilience-policy-indicator |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=IEA |date=10 June 2022 |language=en-GB}}

= Technology Collaboration Programs (TCPs) =

TCPs provide support to independent, international groups of government and industry experts to research, develop, and commercialise energy technologies and related issues. Over 6,000 experts are involved in TCPs across approximately 300 organisations in 55 countries. Examples of TCPs include the Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC), Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS), and Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HEV).

Criticism

= Bias against renewable energy =

File:Reality_versus_IEA_predictions_-_annual_photovoltaic_additions_2002-2016.png additions vs. predictions by the IEA, 2002–2016]]

The IEA has been criticised for systematically underestimating the role of renewable energy sources in future energy systems such as photovoltaics and their cost reductions.Felix Creutzig et al.: The underestimated potential of solar energy to mitigate climate change. In: Nature Energy 2, 2017, doi:10.1038/nenergy.2017.140Auke Hoekstra et al.: Creating Agent-Based Energy Transition Management Models That Can Uncover Profitable Pathways to Climate Change Mitigation. In: Complexity. 2017, doi:10.1155/2017/1967645Konrad Mertens: Photovoltaik: Lehrbuch zu Grundlagen, Technologie und Praxis. 4. edition, Hanser, (Munich) p. 340.

In the past, the IEA has been criticized by environmental groups for underplaying the role of renewable energy technologies in favor of nuclear{{Cite web |title=Nuclear Institute Login – Register |url=http://www.nuclearinst.com/International |access-date=3 July 2017 |archive-date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626010836/http://www.nuclearinst.com/International |url-status=live }} and fossil fuels.{{cite web |author=Henning Gloystein |date=2011-11-23 |title=Renewable energy becoming cost competitive, IEA says |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-energy-iea-renewables-idUSTRE7AM0OV20111123 |work=Reuters |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810161006/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-energy-iea-renewables-idUSTRE7AM0OV20111123 |url-status=live }} In 2009, Guy Pearse stated that the IEA has consistently underestimated the potential for renewable energy alternatives.Guy Pearse (2009). "Quarry Vision", Quarterly Essay, Issue 33, p. 93.

The Energy Watch Group (EWG), a coalition of scientists and politicians which analyses official energy industry predictions, claims that the IEA has had an institutional bias towards traditional energy sources and has been using "misleading data" to undermine the case for renewable energy, such as wind and solar. A 2008 EWG report compares IEA projections about the growth of wind power capacity and finds that it has consistently underestimated the amount of energy the wind power industry can deliver.{{Cite web |date=12 January 2009 |title=IEA accused of "deliberately" undermining global renewables industry |url=http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2233776/iea-accused-deliberately |access-date=28 January 2010 |archive-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531153559/http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2233776/iea-accused-deliberately |url-status=live }}

For example, in 1998, the IEA predicted global wind electricity generation would total 47.4 GW by 2020, but EWG's report states that this level was reached by the end of 2004.{{Cite web |title=Wind Power in Context – A clean Revolution in the Energy Sector p. 10. |url=http://www.energywatchgroup.org/fileadmin/global/pdf/2009-01_Wind_Power_Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124172640/http://www.energywatchgroup.org/fileadmin/global/pdf/2009-01_Wind_Power_Report.pdf |archive-date=24 January 2009}} The report also said that the IEA has not learned the lesson of previous underestimates, and last year net additions of wind power globally were four times greater than the average IEA estimate from its 1995–2004 predictions. This pattern seems to have continued through 2016.{{Cite journal |last=Drum |first=Kevin |date=22 May 2017 |title=In 2002, the IEA Predicted Solar Was Going Nowhere. And in 2003. And 2004. And 2005… |url=https://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/05/2002-iea-predicted-solar-was-going-nowhere-and-2003-and-2004-and-2005 |journal=Mother Jones |access-date=8 March 2021}}

In a press release, the IEA stated that ‘80% of the increase in global electricity generation in 2024 was provided by renewable sources and nuclear’, placing nuclear power production alongside renewable energy sources as if both were being expanded on a grand scale. While it announced that renewables were expanded by 700 GW,{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average - News |url=https://www.iea.org/news/growth-in-global-energy-demand-surged-in-2024-to-almost-twice-its-recent-average |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=IEA |language=en-GB}} it concealed the fact that nuclear power capacity was not even expanded by a hundredth of this, namely 6.84 GW.{{Cite web |title=PRIS - Home |url=https://pris.iaea.org/pris/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=pris.iaea.org}} In the document announced with the press release, it states the increase in nuclear power capacity at 7 GW,IEA, Global Energy, Review 2025 but conceals the fact that, according to its own figures, 2.89 GW were lost in the same year due to the shutdown of nuclear power plants.{{Cite web |title=PRIS - Home |url=https://pris.iaea.org/pris/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=pris.iaea.org}}

Amid discontent from across the renewables sector at the IEA's performance as a global energy watchdog, the International Renewable Energy Agency was formed on January 26, 2009. The aim is to have the agency fully operational by 2010 with an initial annual budget of €25M.{{Cite web |date=26 January 2009 |title=International Renewable Energy Agency launches today |url=http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2234994/international-renewables-agnecy |access-date=28 January 2010 |archive-date=27 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627072839/http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2234994/international-renewables-agnecy |url-status=live }}

The IEA's current forecasts for solar power do not accord with the exponential growth in the sector. The misleading projections have perpetuated the impression that the growth of solar power requires huge subsidies, and has the potential to discourage investment in solar energy market and consequently, hold back even faster growth.{{Cite news |date=2017-09-27 |title=Underestimating the Contribution of Solar PV Risks Damaging Policy Making |language=en-GB |work=The Energy Collective |url=http://www.theenergycollective.com/onclimatechangepolicy/2413557/underestimating-contribution-solar-pv-risks-damaging-policy-making |access-date=2018-02-09 |archive-date=10 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210012224/http://www.theenergycollective.com/onclimatechangepolicy/2413557/underestimating-contribution-solar-pv-risks-damaging-policy-making |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2014-03-04 |title=How the IEA exaggerates the costs and underestimates the growth of solar power |language=en-US |work=EnergyPost |url=http://energypost.eu/iea-exaggerates-costs-underestimates-growth-solar-power/ |access-date=2018-02-09 |archive-date=10 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210002216/http://energypost.eu/iea-exaggerates-costs-underestimates-growth-solar-power/ |url-status=dead }}

= Accuracy of forecasting =

Ahead of the launch of the 2009 World Energy Outlook, the British daily newspaper The Guardian, referring to an unidentified senior IEA official, alleged that the agency was deliberately downplaying the risk of peak oil under pressures from the US. According to a second unidentified former senior IEA official it was "imperative not to anger the Americans" and that the world has already entered the "peak oil zone".{{cite news |author=Terry Macalister |date=2009-11-09 |title=Key oil figures were distorted by US pressure, says whistleblower |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/nov/09/peak-oil-international-energy-agency |access-date=2010-01-23 |archive-date=24 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624215315/http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/09/peak-oil-international-energy-agency |url-status=live }}

The Guardian also referred to a team of scientists from Uppsala University in Sweden who studied the 2008 World Energy Outlook and concluded the forecasts of the IEA were unattainable. According to their peer-reviewed report, oil production in 2030 would not exceed {{convert|75|Moilbbl/d}} while the IEA forecasts a production of {{convert|105|Moilbbl/d}}. The lead author of the report, Kjell Aleklett, has claimed that IEA's reports are "political documents".{{cite news |author=Terry Macalister |date=2009-11-12 |title=Oil: future world shortages are being drastically underplayed, say experts |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/nov/12/oil-shortage-uppsala-aleklett |access-date=2010-01-23 |archive-date=26 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126065355/http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/nov/12/oil-shortage-uppsala-aleklett |url-status=live }} Other research from the same group has thoroughly reviewed oil projections done by the IEA World Energy Outlook.{{cite journal |last1=Wachtmeister |first1=Henrik |last2=Henke |first2=Petter |last3=Höök |first3=Mikael |date=2018 |title=Oil projections in retrospect: Revisions, accuracy and current uncertainty |journal=Applied Energy |volume=220 |pages=138–153 |doi=10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.03.013 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2018ApEn..220..138W }}

The anticorruption NGO Global Witness wrote in its report Heads in the Sand that "Global Witness' analysis demonstrates that the Agency continues to retain an overly-optimistic, and therefore misleading, view about potential future oil production." According to Global Witness, "the Agency's over-confidence, despite credible data, external analysis and underlying fundamentals all strongly suggesting a more precautionary approach, has had a disastrous global impact."{{cite journal |date=October 2009 |title=Heads in the Sand: Governments Ignore the Oil Supply Crunch and Threaten the Climate |url=http://www.globalwitness.org/library/heads-sand-governments-ignore-oil-supply-crunch-and-threaten-climate |format=PDF |journal=Global Witness |pages=45–47 |access-date=2011-02-19 |archive-date=22 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822055805/http://www.globalwitness.org/library/heads-sand-governments-ignore-oil-supply-crunch-and-threaten-climate |url-status=live }}

In 2023, the IEA predicted that demand for fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal would reach an all-time high by 2030.{{cite news |title=The International Energy Agency thinks peak oil use is in sight this decade as the world switches to renewables. What is driving this shift – and what is still standing in the way? |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230726-an-experts-guide-to-peak-oil-and-what-it-really-means |publisher=BBC |date=27 July 2023 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924053220/https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230726-an-experts-guide-to-peak-oil-and-what-it-really-means |url-status=live }} OPEC rejected the IEA's forecast, saying "what makes such predictions so dangerous, is that they are often accompanied by calls to stop investing in new oil and gas projects."{{cite news |title='Dire Consequences' For Billions: OPEC Blasts IEA's Fossil Fuel Demand Forecast, Warns Of 'Energy Chaos' On Unprecedented Scale |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dire-consequences-billions-opec-blasts-175342106.html |work=Yahoo News |date=18 September 2023 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926021100/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dire-consequences-billions-opec-blasts-175342106.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=OPEC says IEA estimate of peak fossil fuel demand by 2030 not 'fact-based' |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-says-iea-estimate-peak-fossil-fuel-demand-by-2030-not-fact-based-2023-09-14/ |work=Reuters |date=14 September 2023 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |access-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922211157/https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-says-iea-estimate-peak-fossil-fuel-demand-by-2030-not-fact-based-2023-09-14/ |url-status=live }} The IEA forecasts that ammonia will meet approximately 45% of shipping fuel demands by 2050.{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Amgeli |date=May 15, 2023 |title=In the voyage to net-zero, which green shipping fuel will rule the seas? |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/voyage-net-zero-which-green-shipping-fuel-will-rule-seas-2023-05-15/ |work=Reuters}}

= Restricting access to data =

In 2021, the IEA was publicly criticized by more than 30 international academics and researchers at Our World in Data for publishing its detailed, global energy data behind paywalls, "[making] it unusable in the public discourse and [preventing] many researchers from accessing it".{{cite news |last1=Ambrose |first1=Jillian |date=10 December 2021 |title=Energy watchdog urged to give free access to government data |work=The Guardian |location=London, United Kingdom |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/10/academics-urge-iea-to-give-free-access-to-national-energy-data |access-date=2021-12-10 |issn=0261-3077}}{{cite journal |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |author-link=Hannah Ritchie |date=5 October 2021 |title=Covid's lessons for climate, sustainability and more from our World in Data |url=https://media.nature.com/original/magazine-assets/d41586-021-02691-4/d41586-021-02691-4.pdf |journal=Nature |volume=598 |issue=7879 |pages=9 |bibcode=2021Natur.598....9R |doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02691-4 |issn=1476-4687 |pmid=34611360 |access-date=2021-11-10 |s2cid=238411009 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524080856/https://media.nature.com/original/magazine-assets/d41586-021-02691-4/d41586-021-02691-4.pdf |url-status=live }} {{open access}}{{cite web |last1=Roser |first1=Max |last2=Ritchie |first2=Hannah |date=7 October 2021 |title=The International Energy Agency publishes the detailed, global energy data we all need, but its funders force it behind paywalls: let's ask them to change it |url=https://ourworldindata.org/iea-open-data |access-date=2021-10-08 |work=Our World in Data |location=Oxford, United Kingdom |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008085608/https://ourworldindata.org/iea-open-data |url-status=live }} {{open access}}{{cite web |last1=Schäfer |first1=Malte |display-authors=etal |date=8 December 2021 |title=Open letter to the International Energy Agency and its member countries: please remove paywalls from global energy data and add appropriate open licenses |url=https://forum.openmod.org/t/open-letter-to-iea-and-member-countries-requesting-open-data/2949#open-letter-to-the-international-energy-agency-and-its-member-countries-please-remove-paywalls-from-global-energy-data-and-add-appropriate-open-licenses-1 |access-date=2022-01-19 |publisher=Open Energy Modelling Initiative |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119192423/https://forum.openmod.org/t/open-letter-to-iea-and-member-countries-requesting-open-data/2949#open-letter-to-the-international-energy-agency-and-its-member-countries-please-remove-paywalls-from-global-energy-data-and-add-appropriate-open-licenses-1 |url-status=live }} Schäfer is the coordinating author. {{open access}} The authors of the Our World in Data open letter suggested that "countries that fund the IEA drop the requirement to place data behind paywalls and increase their funding".

In January 2022, the IEA announced plans to make all its data and analyses freely available and open-access, a move endorsed by its executive director and governing board. This initiative was awaiting final endorsement from IEA member countries to become effective.{{Cite journal |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |last2=Roser |first2=Max |date=2024-03-04 |title=The IEA wants to make their data available to the public – now it is on governments of the world's rich countries to make this happen |url=https://ourworldindata.org/free-data-iea |journal=Our World in Data |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317084939/https://ourworldindata.org/free-data-iea |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, the IEA made the World Energy Outlook 2023 dataset available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license. This dataset encompasses global aggregated data for various scenarios, alongside detailed regional and country-specific data up to 2050.{{Cite web |title=World Energy Outlook 2023 Free Dataset - Data product |url=https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-product/world-energy-outlook-2023-free-dataset-2 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=IEA |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317083750/https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-product/world-energy-outlook-2023-free-dataset-2 |url-status=live }}

=US shale=

In 2018, the IEA was criticized at the World Economic Forum by Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Al-Falih, for hyping the US shale oil industry amid forecasts of oversupply for the oil market in their January Oil Market Report. Al-Falih was exasperated with those claims, arguing that natural depletion, and strong demand growth meant that there was plenty of room for new supplies, while the shale drillers would not crash the market. He further said that the IEA is overstating the role of shale in a global market, and how the core job of the IEA, is not to take things out of context.{{cite web |last1=Cunningham |first1=Nick |title=Saudi Oil Minister Tired Of Shale Hype |url=https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Saudi-Oil-Minister-Tired-Of-Shale-Hype.html |access-date=27 January 2018 |archive-date=27 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127172541/https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Saudi-Oil-Minister-Tired-Of-Shale-Hype.html |url-status=live }}

See also

References

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