Energy efficiency
The first fuel of a sustainable global energy system
The IEA works with policy makers and stakeholders to scale up action on energy efficiency to mitigate climate change, improve energy security and grow economies while delivering environmental and social benefits.
Key findings
Global improvements in primary energy intensity, 2000-2018
OpenGlobal energy efficiency improvements are slowing
Featured analysis
Article
Energy efficiency and digitalisation
Energy efficiency is changing, with new digital technologies enabling greater control, optimisation and analytics
Report
Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency
From “hidden fuel” to “first fuel”
Fuel report
Energy Efficiency 2019
The authoritative tracker of global energy efficiency trends
Statistics report
Energy Efficiency Indicators
Statistics report
Energy Technology RD&D Budgets 2020
Tracking trends in spending on research, development and demonstration
Analysis
Fuel report
Energy Efficiency 2020
Statistics report
Energy Efficiency Indicators
Article
Promoting vehicle efficiency and electrification through stimulus packages
Commentary
The case for energy transitions in major oil- and gas-producing countries
Article
Heat pumps in district heating and cooling systems
Part of Today in the Lab - Tomorrow in Energy?
Article
Intelligent food processing systems
Part of Today in the Lab - Tomorrow in Energy?
Article
Meeting the increasing global demand for cooling
Part of Today in the Lab - Tomorrow in Energy?
Article
Big data for people-centred buildings
Part of Today in the Lab - Tomorrow in Energy?
Our work
In addition to cutting-edge analysis, the IEA also facilitates the exchange of knowledge through our training programs, workshops, and research collaborations, and works to support energy efficiency with partners and at key global fora such as the G7 and G20 and through the Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme (E4).
Convened by IEA’s Executive Director in response to the global slowdown of energy efficiency progress, the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency examined how progress on energy efficiency can be rapidly accelerated through new and stronger policy action by governments across the globe. It has developed a series of 10 actionable recommendations to support governments in achieving more ambitious action on energy efficiency.
Data collection
The aims of the 4E TCP are to promote energy efficiency as the key to ensuring safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems. As an international platform for collaboration between governments, the 4E TCP provides policy guidance to its members and other governments concerning energy using equipment and systems. The 4E TCP prioritises technologies and applications with significant energy consumption and energy saving potential within the residential, commercial and industrial sectors (not including transport). To meet its aims, the 4E TCP harnesses the expertise of governments, industry, experts and other TCPs for joint research related to the development and deployment of energy efficient equipment.
The mission of the Energy Storage TCP is to facilitate research, development, implementation and integration of energy storage technologies to optimise the energy efficiency of all kinds of energy systems and enable the increasing use of renewable energy. Storage technologies are a central component in energy-efficient and sustainable energy systems. Energy storage is a cross-cutting issue that relies on expert knowledge of many disciplines. The Energy Storage TCP fosters widespread experience, synergies and cross-disciplinary co-ordination of working plans and research goals.
The Users TCP’s mission is to provide evidence from socio-technical research on the design, social acceptance and usability of clean energy technologies to inform policy making for clean, efficient and secure energy transitions. Decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitalisation are embedding energy technologies in the heart of our communities. Communities’ response to these changes and use of energy technologies will determine the success of our energy systems. Poorly designed energy policies, and technologies that do not satisfy users’ needs, lead to ‘performance gaps’ that are both energy and economically inefficient. User-centred energy systems are therefore critical for delivering socially and politically acceptable energy transitions.