IEA Sets Up Energy Efficiency Panel

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set up a high-level independent commission aimed at fast-tracking efforts towards greater global energy efficiency.

The commission, bringing together politicians, industry leaders and other experts from across the world, will aim to work out new and more effective policies for increasing efficiency. It will be headed by Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar.

According to the IEA, the global economy could double in size by 2040 without any major change in energy consumption, provided the right policies are in place. These policies would also allow for the 40% cut in emissions needed to reach international goals for tackling climate change, it said.

However, the agency warned that progress towards greater efficiency was stalling, with global energy-related CO2 emissions spiking last year at their highest rate since 2013.

“It is imperative that we get global energy efficiency progress back on track,” Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, said in a statement on July 9.

“The IEA sees energy efficiency as critical for successful clean energy transitions,” he continued. “It has huge potential to start making an immediate difference if governments act now and act decisively.”

The commission will focus on drawing up a clear and concise list of policy recommendations that can be realistically implemented by countries across the world.