International Energy Agency (IEA)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation that plays a central role in shaping energy policy worldwide. Founded in 1974, its original purpose was energy security, and over time its mandate has grown to cover the clean energy transition, renewable energy and climate change mitigation. For companies and governments working on emissions, the IEA is one of the most authoritative sources of energy data, analysis and scenarios.

What is the International Energy Agency?

The IEA operates within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It was created in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis, initially to coordinate energy security among member countries, in particular the management of emergency oil stocks. Since then its mission has broadened to include sustainable energy transitions, energy efficiency and the reduction of fossil fuel dependence.

Today the IEA has more than 30 member countries and works closely with a group of 13 association countries, including major economies such as China, India and Brazil. Together, IEA member and association countries account for around 75% of global energy demand, which gives the organisation an exceptionally broad view of the world's energy system.

The IEA's key objectives

• Energy security: helping ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply.
• Economic development: supporting energy policies that underpin sustainable growth.
• Environmental sustainability: encouraging the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems.

The IEA and emissions data

Measuring emissions starts with good data, and the IEA is one of the world's main providers of energy statistics. It publishes detailed information on energy consumption, electricity generation and energy-related CO2 emissions, broken down by country and sector. These datasets are widely used to understand the emissions of sectors such as transport, industry and power generation.

IEA data feeds into national greenhouse gas inventories prepared under the United Nations climate framework and the Paris Agreement, and it is compatible with the emission factors and methodologies used in standards such as the GHG Protocol, which companies use to measure and report their own carbon footprint.

The IEA and the energy transition

Beyond statistics, the IEA is highly influential in guiding the global energy transition by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and innovation.

Decarbonization scenarios

One of the IEA's most cited resources is its set of energy scenarios, especially the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario. This pathway describes what it would take for the global energy sector to reach net zero by mid-century, consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Governments and companies use these scenarios as a reference when designing their own decarbonization strategies.

Energy policy advice

The IEA works with governments to design effective energy policies, including measures that encourage clean energy, set energy efficiency standards and support technological innovation.

Why the IEA matters for businesses

For companies, IEA data and analysis are valuable inputs for measuring and managing their carbon footprint. Using recognised data and methodologies, businesses can identify their main emission sources, set science-based reduction targets and track progress over time. The IEA's status as a globally recognised, neutral source also lends credibility to the assumptions behind corporate climate plans.

How Manglai complements IEA resources

IEA data sets the global context, but each company still needs to measure its own emissions accurately. At Manglai we help organisations calculate their carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, analyse their energy data and prepare their sustainability reporting in line with international standards. Discover how Manglai can help you.