FACTS

The International Energy Agency (IEA)

3/19/2012
In 2009, renewable energy accounted for 3% of the world’s total power generation. By 2035, it is estimated that the share will rise to 15%, with energy technologies such as hydropower and wind accounting for half of the new capacity installed to meet growing demand.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) confirms in its latest report - World Energy Outlook 2011 - that urgent steps are needed to ensure energy security and meet environmental demands. Fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source and accounted for 81% of total energy consumption in 2010. This is expected to decrease slightly to 75% by 2035. Unstable political and financial landscapes pose a challenge in securing reliable energy supply.

Drawing on the latest data and policy developments, the 2012 edition of the World Energy Outlook (to be released November 2012) will present updated projections of energy demand, production, trade, investment and CO2 emissions, broken down by country, fuel and sector, to 2035.

Starting in 2012, the IEA also plans to launch a yearly report specifically dedicated to the renewable energy sector. The report - called "Deploying Renewables 2011: Best and Future Policy" - emphasises the need for a combined political and financial effort to make the renewable energy sector fully competitive with the fossil energy sector. The document contains a five-year analysis of electricity production from renewable sources and the development of installed capacity of renewable power plants.