Global energy efficiency rising during 2025

Progress on global energy efficiency is poised to accelerate this year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Global primary energy intensity – a key measure for tracking energy efficiency progress – is on course to climb by 1.8% during 2025, accelerating from 1% last year.

Energy Efficiency 2025, the IEA’s annual report on global efficiency trends, points to progress from several major economies, including China and India.

The IEA said the rate of global improvement in energy efficiency has been largely “lacklustre” since 2019, averaging around 1.3% per year and falling well short of the goal of 4% by 2030 that was set at the COP28 environmental summit in Dubai in 2023.

Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, said: “The acceleration in global progress on energy efficiency that we’re seeing in 2025 is encouraging, including positive signs in some major emerging economies.

“Energy efficiency has the power to enhance people’s lives and livelihoods through greater energy security, more affordable bills, improved economic competitiveness and lower emissions.”