International Energy Agency (IEA)
Overview
The International Energy Agency (IEA) serves as an energy policy advisor for its member countries, focusing on ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean energy for citizens. Founded during the 1973-74 oil crisis, the IEA initially coordinated measures during oil supply emergencies. Over the past decades, it has expanded its focus to include climate change policies, market reforms, energy technology collaborations, and outreach to other nations.
Key Activities
- Energy Efficiency Policy Analysis: The IEA identifies cost-effective energy efficiency potentials and best practice policies.
- Country Support: Informs countries about these potentials and policies, assists in designing, implementing, and evaluating best practice policies, and facilitates dialogue and international cooperation.
Goals
- Achieve clean, clever, and competitive energy futures by exploiting all cost-effective energy efficiency potentials.
G8 Recommendations
The IEA has provided recommendations to the G8 Summits since 2006, covering 25 fields of action across seven priority areas:
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Cross-Sectoral
- Increasing investment in energy efficiency
- National energy efficiency strategies and goals
- Compliance, monitoring, enforcement, and evaluation of energy efficiency measures
- Energy efficiency indicators
- Monitoring and reporting progress with the IEA energy efficiency recommendations
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Buildings
- Building codes for new buildings
- Passive Energy Houses and Zero Energy Buildings
- Policy packages to promote energy efficiency in existing buildings
- Building certification schemes
- Energy efficiency improvements in glazed areas
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Industry
- Collection of high-quality energy efficiency data for industry
- Energy performance of electric motors
- Assistance in developing energy management capability
- Policy packages to promote energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises
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Energy Utilities
- Utility end-use energy efficiency schemes
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Appliances and Equipment
- Mandatory energy performance requirements or labels
- Low-power modes, including standby power, for electronic and networked equipment
- Televisions and "set-top" boxes
- Energy performance test standards and measurement protocols
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Lighting
- Best practice lighting and the phase-out of incandescent bulbs
- Ensuring least-cost lighting in non-residential buildings and the phase-out of inefficient fuel-based lighting
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Transport
- Fuel-efficient tires
- Mandatory fuel efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles
- Fuel economy of heavy-duty vehicles
- Eco-driving
Characteristics
- High-Quality End-Use Analysis: Internationally recognized expertise in integrating economic, technical, and policy insights.
- International Convening Power: Facilitates dialogue and international cooperation.
Recognition
- International Star of Energy Efficiency 2007: Awarded by the Alliance to Save Energy.
Contact Information