History
The International Energy Agency is an international energy forum comprised of 29 industrialized countries under the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD).
The IEA was established in 1974, in the wake of the 1973/74 oil crisis, to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfill today. IEA’s mandate has expanded over time to include tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy, and fostering multinational energy technology cooperation. As the global energy picture has changed, the IEA has sought to engage key non-members in its activities, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and Mexico.
Value to the United States
The United States Government values IEA’s policy analyses and data collection, coordinated collective emergency response and partnership on key projects and analysis with other international organizations and initiatives, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF), the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), and the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC). By encouraging countries to make investments in clean energy sources to build a low-carbon future, IEA provides critical leadership on the transition to a low carbon future.
Facilitates comprehensive energy security
- Emphasizes the importance of and analysis on short- and longer-term issues in all key energy supply and demand sectors.
- Maintains a robust collective security coordination mechanism (first and foremost for oil) that evolves over time in response to evolution of the global energy market.
Helps accelerate the transition to a clean energy future
- Undertakes analytical work on climate, energy efficiency and energy technologies, and policy.
Attracts new partners for co-operation
- Has multiple mechanisms that facilitate substantive interaction with partner countries.
- Coordinates closely with other international organizations that have synergies with the IEA program of work and budget.
Facilitates technical cooperation and research
- Serves as a convener and leader of international cooperation on energy research and technology (e.g. through Implementing Agreements).
- Provides the platforms and resources that facilitate access to and exchange of high quality data and expertise.
U.S. Engagement
The U.S. Department of Energy, working with the U.S. Department of State, oversees governance of the IEA and advances U.S. interests through participation in the Governing Board and various committees that guide IEA’s policy and programs. DOE and its national labs also engage actively in multilateral science and technology cooperation through IEA Implementing Agreements.