IEA launches Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions to showcase success stories of inclusive economic development

The International Energy Agency today launched a new tool to track country progress on people-centred clean energy transitions with the aim of identifying best practices to support governments in putting fairness and inclusivity at the heart of clean energy policies.

The Global Observatory will provide a repository of exemplary case studies from around the world that focus on four key themes: jobs and worker protections; social and economic development; equity, social inclusion and fairness; and active participation of citizens in clean energy transitions.

The new tool is part of the IEA’s increasing focus on supporting people-centred initiatives to ensure the new global energy economy works for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in society. It will be updated regularly to ensure the latest information is readily available and reflects ongoing policy adjustments at the country level.

“The transition to clean energy is about much more than reducing emissions. This transition is happening faster than many people think, with many positive economic and social benefits around job creation and poverty reduction,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Nonetheless, leaders must put people at the centre of clean energy policies to ensure no one is left behind. The new observatory will provide best-in-class examples that countries can use as a blueprint for their own policy initiatives.”

The launch of the Observatory is the latest in a series of initiatives from the IEA looking at how energy policy can align with sustainable and inclusive economic development. On 26 April, the IEA will host the Global Summit on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions at its headquarters in Paris. It will provide a forum for ministers, policy makers, labour leaders, CEOs, youth representatives, indigenous voices and other international experts to engage in vital discussions about some of the most pressing socio-economic issues at the heart of fair and inclusive energy transitions. 

IEA analysis estimates that the energy transition needed to reach net zero emissions will create about 30 million new jobs related to clean energy technologies by 2030, many of which require additional skills and training. While new jobs far outweigh losses in fossil fuels and related industries, policies will be required to ensure that the transition does not leave behind workers in these declining sectors. Many of these workers already possess skills required in growing clean energy sectors and could transfer to these roles with the right support.

In 2022, the IEA launched the Clean Energy Labour Council to bring together leaders from many of the world’s most important national trade unions and trade union confederations, as well as prominent thinkers on the topic, to foster stronger dialogue between the IEA, its stakeholders and the labour sector.