Global progress in energy efficiency, as measured by energy intensity rate of change, is projected to see a weak improvement of 1% in 2024, according to a recent International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report (pdf). This rate is roughly half the average rate between 2010 and 2019. Despite accelerated efforts in certain countries in response to the energy crisis, overall improvements in energy intensity have decelerated.

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Essential for the green transition: An accelerated improvement in energy efficiency can contribute to a reduction of over 70% in projected oil demand and 50% in projected gas demand by 2030, according to the IEA’s net-zero emissions scenario by 2050. Tech advancements improving vehicle fuel efficiency and wider EV adoption would contribute the most to oil demand reduction, whereas improvements in building insulation and the electrification of heating would drive the drop in natural gas demand. Furthermore, a third of the emissions reductions in the net-zero scenario could come from these improvements.

Where we stand: Countries representing more than 70% of global energy demand have updated their energy efficiency policies in 2024. For example, the EU revised its regulations to aim for a zero-emission building stock by 2050, whereas China is targeting appliance standards, and the US tightened standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

Over USD 1 tn has been spent on efficiency initiatives in the last five years. In the past year, USD 60 bn was funneled into building efficiency measures, and around USD 45 bn went to low-emission vehicle initiatives.

Still no joy…: Despite the advancements, policy implementation is lagging behind. Nearly half of the floor area in new buildings is not yet subject to efficiency standards, and only three out of five industrial electric motors currently in use are required to meet minimum standards for performance.

… Despite massive investments: Combined public and private investment in end-use sector efficiency — including buildings, transport, and manufacturing — is expected to net a 4% increase by the end of 2024, reaching USD 660 bn. While the figure surpasses projected investments in oil and gas by 10%, reaching the net zero goal by 2030 would require tripling those investments to USD 1.9 tn. Overall, investments in energy efficiency rose by around 50% since 2019. In some cases, structural conditions like increased industrial output partially or wholly offset these improvements.

EM efficiency investment increases are highest, but the share remains tiny: Africa would see their efficiency investments rise by 60%, whereas MENA and Central/South America are slated for a 40% and 20% rise. However, these regions collectively account for only about 5% of global investment. Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region have the lion’s share of global energy efficiency investments.

Electrification is a main catalyst: The level of electrification — defined as electricity’s share in total final energy demand — is set to grow at a rate of nearly 2% in 2024, almost double the average annual rate of change observed between 2010 and 2019. However, this rate needs to be doubled so that electrification reaches 30% by 2030. Amongst other energy efficiency measures, electrification offers the fastest gains, but costs remain a challenge.

Where do growth rates stand? China’s electrification growth rate rose by 4% annually between 2010 and 2019, and around 3% annually from 2021 to 2024. Electricity accounts for approximately 24% of final energy demand in the Asia Pacific region and 22% in North America and Europe, but only 16% in the Middle East, 11% in Africa, and 13% in Eurasia.

Cooperation would be key to meeting goals: International cooperation can further help achieve the COP28 goal to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can also ensure that ambitious energy efficiency measures remain a pillar of long-term national plans. Harmonizing efficiency standards globally will also be key to preventing trade in appliances whose efficiency falls below a certain country’s national standards.

IEA is helping with a new platform: The IEA is launching the Energy Efficiency ProgressTracker, a new platform that would shed light on the most recent updates on energy efficiency. The platform would provide regular detailed insights on energy efficiency progress, providing regional and thematic updates like energy intensity, electrification levels, and efficiency investments.

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