Energy Efficiency 2018

Energy Efficiency 2018

Executive Summary

Introduction: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the Energy Efficiency 2018 report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of current and future trends in energy efficiency. The report highlights the potential for significant economic and environmental benefits through improved energy efficiency.

Key Findings:

1. Global Energy Demand and Emissions:

   • In 2017, global energy demand and emissions increased, marking a departure from recent trends.
   • Energy efficiency improvements have not kept pace with growing economic activity across all sectors.

2. Efficient World Scenario:

   • The report introduces a new Efficient World Scenario, based on analysis from the IEA World Energy Outlook.
   • If all cost-effective energy efficiency potential is realized between now and 2040, the global economy could double while energy demand increases only marginally.
   • Energy efficiency alone could help achieve the goal of peaking greenhouse gas emissions before 2020, aligning with the Paris Agreement targets.

3. Sustainable Development Goals:

   • The Efficient World Scenario also charts a path to achieving the target for energy efficiency included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
   • This is particularly timely given the UN's intention to review the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All.

4. Emerging Economies:

   • Substantial gains are possible in major emerging economies, which will shape the future of the global energy system.
   • These economies are the focus of the IEA's Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies (E4) Programme.

5. Policy Recommendations:

   • The report emphasizes the need for stronger policies to realize the available gains in energy efficiency.
   • The IEA is committed to improving global understanding of energy efficiency and the policies required to enhance it.

Conclusion: The Energy Efficiency 2018 report serves as a valuable resource and reference point for policymakers and practitioners, aiming to facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote a more energy-efficient future.

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Authors and Contributors: The report was prepared by the Energy Efficiency Division at the IEA, under the direction of Brian Motherway and Kathleen Gaffney. Key contributors include Joe Ritchie, Kevin Lane, Jeremy Sung, and others. The Efficient World Scenario was developed by the World Energy Outlook team.

Acknowledgments: The report acknowledges the contributions of various IEA colleagues and external experts who provided data and content.