International Energy Agency: Energy Efficiency Report 2023

The International Energy Agency has released its Energy Efficiency Report 2023. Efficiency policy momentum is increasing, but global energy intensity progress is slowing. The growth rate of global energy intensity (the main measure of energy efficiency in the global economy) is expected to fall back to 1.3% in 2023, below the longer-term trend. The lower rate of improvement in energy intensity largely reflects an increase in energy demand of 1.7% in 2023, compared with 1.3% in the same period last year.

Policy actions are translating into investment and deployment

Action has escalated significantly since the energy crisis began in early 2022, with countries accounting for 70% of global energy demand introducing or significantly strengthening efficiency policy packages. Annual energy efficiency investment has increased by 45% since 2020, with particularly strong growth in electric vehicles and heat pumps.

The deployment of efficient technologies is curbing energy demand and heralds the imminent peak in fossil fuels

In the first half of 2023, heat pump sales in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden increased by 75% compared to the same period last year. Consumers now have better choices when renovating their homes or buying a new car. These choices open up opportunities for new levels of energy efficiency.

The world is experiencing record high temperatures, which is increasing the need for cooling and reducing the need for heating.

In 2023, the world experienced its hottest year on record, threatening to set off a vicious cycle of increased electricity use and higher carbon emissions. Heat waves can also exacerbate health disparities, reduce productivity, increase electricity costs, and disrupt basic services. Extreme heat puts pressure on power systems, requiring significant investments in grid infrastructure and generation, while also imposing high cooling costs on consumers, especially the most vulnerable.

Doubling efficiency could cut energy bills by a third and reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030

As the global target of doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, from 2% per year in 2022 to 4%, takes shape, international efforts, including at COP28, will play an important role in shaping future energy efficiency and demand paths.