The International Energy Agency (IEA) laid out five actions needed over the short- and long-term to achieve a low-carbon energy sector, and proposed concrete options for their implementation in the international climate negotiations to be held next month in Lima, Peru.

Global gas markets may be at the threshold of a new age. An unprecedented gap between regional gas prices has triggered fundamental changes for future global gas market dynamics.

In the lead-up to the UN climate negotiations in Lima, the latest information on the level and growth of CO2 emissions, their source and geographic distribution will be essential to lay the foundation for a global agreement.

IEA analyses have consistently highlighted that low-carbon energy technologies have a crucial role to play in addressing current global challenges on energy security, sustainability and access.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy sector can be improved to unlock a better life for its citizens.

Concentrating solar plants (CSP) generate solar thermal electricity (STE) while producing no greenhouse gas emissions, so it could be a key technology for mitigating climate change. In addition, the flexibility of CSP plants enhances energy security.

Solar energy is widely available throughout the world and can contribute to reduced dependence on energy imports. As it entails no fuel price risk or constraints, it also improves security of supply.

There is a rapidly rising energy demand from literally billions of devices that remain “on” but may be used for only a few minutes or hours per day. Currently, the estimate for global electricity wasted in this way by network‑enabled devices is 400 terawatt hours (TWh) per year.

The People’s Republic of China is experiencing sustained high economic growth, and with it some environmental challenges. Its 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) lays out plans to “gradually develop a carbon trading market”.