Policies database

In order to underpin scenario analysis of the GEC Model, an extensive effort is made to update and expand the list of energy and climate-related policies and measures that feed into our modelling. Assumptions about government policies are critical to this analysis and are the main reason for the differences in outcomes across the scenarios.

In total, new policies and measures globally have been considered during the model preparation such as the Inflation Reduction Act (United States), Fit for 55 (European Union), Climate Change Bill (Australia), and GX Green Transformation (Japan). A summary of some of the key policy targets and measures for different sectors by selected countries and regions can be found in the Annex B of WEO-2024.

Although all care has been taken to ensure accuracy, completeness and clarity of content in these databases, this does not represent a complete listing of all energy related policies in the region or country covered. For various reasons information can be difficult to find or confirm, and some information is subject to the translator's discretion. If you have more up-to-date information, please help us improve the quality of this service by contacting the IEA at policies@iea.org.

Cross-cutting policy assumptions by scenario for selected regions

The considered policies are additive across scenarios: measures listed under the Announced Pledges Scenario (APS) supplement those in the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS). Additional policy assumptions are incorporated in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) which provide indicative policymaking and decarbonising milestones that would steer global energy systems to these outcomes.

The published tables begin with broad cross-cutting policy frameworks, followed by more detailed policies by sector: power, industry, buildings, and transport. Some regional policies have been included if they play a significant role in shaping energy at a global scale (e.g. regional carbon markets, standards in very large provinces or states). The tables do not include all policies and measures, rather they highlight the policies most shaping global energy demand today, while being derived from an exhaustive examination of announcements and plans in countries around the world. Industry-led initiatives and manufacturing targets that are partially or fully met in the IEA scenarios are finally closing the Annex B.

Access assumptions and IEA SDG7 tracker

The International Energy Agency is at the forefront of global efforts to assess and analyse persistent energy access deficit, providing annual country-by-country data on access to electricity and clean cooking (Sustainable Development Goal [SDG] 7.1) and the main data source for tracking official progress towards SDG targets on renewables (SDG 7.2) and energy efficiency (SDG 7.3). The IEA is one of the appointed co-custodians for tracking global progress on SDG 7 alongside IRENA, UNSD, the World Bank, and WHO. More details can be found in the SDG 7 database and the energy access methodology.

IEA Energy Policy Inventory

The IEA’s Energy Policy Inventory provides a unique database over the current state of energy policy worldwide. This tracker inventories the most up-to-date policies for more than 50 countries in the IEA’s Policies and Measures Database. It captures regulations, government spending programmes and trade policies by bringing together regular updates from IEA’s State of Energy Policies, along with information on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), methane abatement and critical minerals policies. This policy information has been collected from governments, partner organisations and IEA analysis. The IEA’s Policies and Measures Database provides access to information on past, existing or planned government policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and support the development and deployment of renewables and other clean energy technologies. Governments have an opportunity to review the policy information periodically.