Everything Energy
International Energy Agency (IEA) 41 épisodes oct. 30, 2026
Everything Energy is a podcast by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Through expert interviews, it delves into today’s biggest global energy topics – providing valuable insights on important trends based on the latest data and analysis.
Épisodes
The metal at the heart of the Age of Electricity
As the world enters the Age of Electricity, demand for copper is rising. Essential for grids, electric vehicles, data centres and more, the metal is in high demand – and the market for it is coming under strain.In this episode, IEA Critical Minerals Analyst Shobhan Dhir discusses the key role that copper plays in modern energy systems around the world. He explains what has driven copper p
The Strait of Hormuz crisis and the Middle East
Since the start of the Iran war in February, energy exports from Middle East countries through the Strait of Hormuz and via other routes have become the focus of intense global attention, with significant implications for the world economy and especially for Middle East countries themselves. In this episode, IEA Senior Oil Analyst Rebecca Schulz discusses how escalating attacks on ships
Could fusion power plants soon be on the horizon?
Since the mid-20th century, scientists and engineers around the world have been working to harness the potential of fusion energy. Driven by the knowledge that success could revolutionise the energy system, they have pursued fusion’s tantalising potential to provide abundant around-the-clock electricity with minimal fuel inputs, no direct emissions and very little radioactive waste. Recen
Why diesel prices are breaking records
Around the world, the price of diesel is at or near all-time highs, with major implications for shipping, agriculture and the broader economy.In this episode, we speak with IEA experts David Martin and Talya Vatman who explain why diesel prices have risen more sharply than those of gasoline and crude oil – taking stock of the impacts from the war in the Middle East, Ukraine’s attacks on R
The rise of air conditioning – and push to improve it
Invented at the turn of the 20th century to control humidity at a New York printing plant, the air conditioner has reshaped the economies and societies that have had access to it. Today, more than 1.5 billion AC units are in use around the world – and as incomes and temperatures rise, demand continues to grow rapidly. But there are challenges associated with this air conditioning boom. If
How drilling technologies have shaped the energy landscape
Technological advances in drilling have had a profound impact on our economies and societies, delivering access to vast energy resources underground. The first commercial oil well in 1859 paved the way for the modern oil industry, and more recent breakthroughs have repeatedly reshaped global energy dynamics. Innovation in drilling technologies continues today. Some of these technologies
The innovation story behind today’s solar power boom
Today, solar PV is the fastest-growing energy source in the world. Yet that would not have been possible without a history of innovation spanning decades. From the breakthrough discovery of a practical silicon solar cell at a US phone company in the 1950s to the rapid scaling up of solar panel manufacturing in China in the 2000s, these advances – along with supportive policies – have made
An underused resource for lowering energy costs
Amid the disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, energy systems have come under significant pressure – compounded, in some parts of the world, by record-breaking heatwaves. But one of the most effective tools for easing these strains – and energy costs – remains underutilised. In this episode, we speak with Brian Motherway, who leads the IEA’s work on energy efficiency
How the energy world entered this crisis
What did the global energy landscape look like just before the outbreak of the war in the Middle East sent shockwaves through energy markets in March? What were the major trends – and what might they tell us about what comes next? In this episode, IEA energy analyst Alex Martinos discusses the findings from the Global Energy Review 2026, which provides a comprehensive assessment of global
The cooking fuel crisis
Around the world, billions of people use liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, to cook their meals. Today, many of them are under substantial pressure, with global LPG supplies severely disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East. In 2025, 30% of all LPG exported by sea transited through the Strait of Hormuz – a route that’s seen shipping slow dramatically since the end of February. In this e
How the energy crisis is reshaping investment
As the energy crisis caused by disruptions to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz continues to unfold, how is it shifting energy investment priorities around the world? In this episode, two IEA experts – Energy Investment Unit head Cecilia Tam and energy investment analyst Kirsten Smith – dig into this question based on new insights from the World Energy Investment 2026 report.
The forgotten giant of electricity
Hydropower is the third largest source of power generation globally, producing roughly as much electricity as solar and wind combined. Yet despite its huge role in electricity systems around the world, it is often left out of conversations on energy. In this episode, IEA renewable energy analyst Yasmina Abdelilah explains how the role of hydropower in electricity systems has evolved in re
The relationship between energy and AI is evolving rapidly
A lot has happened since the IEA published its landmark report last year on what artificial intelligence could mean for global electricity demand and its potential to reshape how energy systems work. The tech sector has poured hundreds of billions of dollars of additional investment into AI, while the technology itself and the ways in which it’s used have continued to develop rapidly. At
Critical minerals and energy security
Critical minerals are essential for many of today’s energy technologies – and for the broader economy. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite, for example, are crucial to battery performance. Rare earth elements are indispensable for the permanent magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. And electricity networks need huge amounts of aluminium and copper. As demand fo
The mounting disruptions in oil markets
Amid the war in the Middle East, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints – has plunged, creating the largest disruption to oil supply in history. How is this shock rippling through oil markets? What are the real-world consequences for oil-consuming countries and industries? And how has it changed the IEA’s forecasts for supply and demand
Feeling the effects of the energy crisis
Four-day workweeks. Designated driving days. Fewer business trips. Across Southeast Asia, governments have been moving quickly to adopt measures that conserve fuel – highlighting the region’s exposure to the energy crisis caused by the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In this episode, Sue-Ern Tan, Head of the IEA’s Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, explains why countries in S
10 ways to ease oil price pressures on consumers
Oil prices have surged amid the war in the Middle East, putting pressures on consumers around the world. To help address the supply disruptions, the IEA is coordinating the largest ever release of oil from countries’ emergency reserves. But actions on the demand side can also play a key role. In this episode, Stéphanie Bouckaert, Head of the IEA’s Demand Sectors Unit, and Lucas Boehlé, an
The IEA’s largest ever emergency oil stock release
The global oil market is facing the most severe disruption in its history, with the war in the Middle East largely halting energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade chokepoint. In response to this disruption, IEA Member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency stocks – the largest collective action since the Agency’s founding more than
The future of energy security
As risks multiply around the world, energy security has rapidly climbed to the top of the political agenda – leaving policymakers to navigate an increasingly complex mix of traditional threats and emerging vulnerabilities. This episode features conversations with Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-Charge of Energy, Science and Technology, and Leila Benali, Mor
What’s driving the surge in energy jobs?
The global energy sector is adding jobs twice as fast as the overall economy. But where is this growth coming from? And with skills shortages increasing, can it keep up the momentum? In this episode, IEA analysts Elspeth Hathaway and Rebecca Ruff – two authors of the World Energy Employment report – dive into the latest data. They talk about who works in the energy sector, what’s been dri
The state of play for hydrogen
Enthusiasm for hydrogen has surged in recent years. The most abundant element in the universe, it offers a wide range of potential energy applications, and many governments now see it as an important part of the solution to their energy challenges.Much of the focus has been on low‑emissions hydrogen. But building markets around a still‑emerging technology is far from straightforward. In t
What’s next for the global car industry?
The car industry is a key part of many economies – and with passenger cars representing the single largest source of global oil demand today, changes in the worldwide auto sector have important implications for the energy sector. The global car industry is undergoing significant shifts, as the geography of car production evolves, new regions drive sales growth, and electric cars expand co
The shifting geography of energy demand
For many decades, global energy demand was mainly concentrated in wealthy, industrialised economies such as the United States, Europe and Japan. That has changed in the 21st century as China’s rapid economic growth moved the centre of gravity eastward, with the country driving more than half of global oil and gas demand growth and 60% of electricity demand growth since 2010. Now, the land
How to bring power to 600 million people
Today, nearly two out of every five people in Africa still live without access to electricity. That means no lighting at home or in schools, no power to grow businesses, and no reliable energy for healthcare or essential services. New IEA analysis outlines a pathway to universal access to electricity by 2035. But what will it take to get there? In this episode, Emma Gordon and Adam Ward –
The future of solar power
In every scenario in the IEA’s flagship World Energy Outlook 2025, solar power is projected to grow rapidly in the coming decades. But what is driving this growth? And what could slow it down or speed it up? In this episode, Brent Wanner, Head of the IEA’s Power Supply Unit, and Anthony Vautrin, an energy modeller, unpack the new report’s key findings on solar. They discuss the trends tha
World Energy Outlook 2025: Key takeaways
The World Energy Outlook 2025 – the latest edition of the IEA’s flagship annual report, which explores a range of possible energy futures and their implications for energy security, access and emissions – is out now.This episode walks through the key findings of the report with its lead authors: IEA Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks Laura Cozzi and Chief Energy Economist
Ukraine’s energy security and the coming winter
As Ukraine enters another winter at war, its energy security is once again in jeopardy. While Ukraine made strong strides in rebuilding and strengthening the resilience of its energy system this past spring and summer, the situation remains fragile. The risk of major disruptions to electricity and heating in the coming months remains – particularly as Russia expands the scope and sophisti
Southeast Asia’s growing energy importance
Southeast Asia is a dynamic region that is increasingly shaping global energy trends. As populations and economies grow, its energy demand is set to soar in the coming years, accounting for a quarter of global growth over the next decade. It also plays a critical role in the supply chains for energy technologies. In this episode, we’re joined by Sue-Ern Tan, Head of the IEA’s Regional Coo
How petrochemicals are reshaping oil markets
Products made from petrochemicals are all around us – in our clothes, electronics, packaging, medical equipment, tires and so much more. But what are petrochemicals? And why are they so important for the future of global oil markets? In this episode, we speak with IEA Oil Market Analysts David Martin and Ciarán Healy. They explain how petrochemicals are produced, why demand for them is ri
Where does the world’s electricity come from?
When many people think about energy, electricity comes to mind. The bedrock of modern societies and economies, it powers everything from home appliances to factory machinery – keeping the lights on, trains running and much more – although a great deal more work is needed to ensure universal access to it worldwide.Globally, electricity demand is rising quickly. So, in this episode, we spea
Tackling a major energy injustice
Today, four in five families in African countries cook with fuels such as wood and charcoal over open fires or basic stoves. This leads to more than 800,000 premature deaths each year. But new IEA analysis shows that momentum is building to address this critical issue – opening a pathway to reach universal access to clean cooking in Africa by 2040. In this episode, we hear from Syrine El
Staying cool without overheating the energy system
As incomes and temperatures rise around the world, demand for cooling is soaring. And while expanding access to air conditioning stands to improve quality of life for millions of people, it is also putting new strain on electricity systems during hot periods.In this episode, we hear from Brian Motherway, who leads the IEA’s work on energy efficiency. He walks through the latest global dat
The fastest growing energy technology on the market
When you think of batteries, you might picture charging a phone or laptop. But it’s the energy industry that has transformed the battery market over the past decade. Today, over 90% of battery demand comes from the energy sector, driven by record-breaking electric car sales and the rapid growth of battery storage to support power grids around the world.In this episode, we hear from Teo Lo
The forces shaping oil markets
Oil markets have faced significant turbulence this year. Heightened geopolitical risks, trade tensions and policy shifts have all affected the outlook. At the same time, the major drivers of supply and demand over the past 15 years are losing momentum, signalling that a deeper transformation of markets is underway. In this episode, Toril Bosoni, Head of the IEA’s Oil Industry and Markets
Where the money is going in energy
For the past 10 years, the IEA’s World Energy Investment report has been the definitive guide to where money is going in the global energy sector. It breaks down the latest data for all the key fuels, technologies and industries. In a context of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, global energy investment is set to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025. In this episode, we’re
What’s next for electric cars and trucks?
The automotive industry has faced major challenges in recent years, from pandemic-driven supply chain shocks to inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. But amid the turmoil, global sales of electric vehicles have continued to break records. In 2024, more than one in five cars sold globally were electric, and this year it's expected to be one in four. In some parts of the world, EVs are n
How energy will shape the future of AI (and vice versa)
While the history of artificial intelligence is long, ChatGPT’s public launch in late 2022 captured the world’s attention and pushed AI to the top of business and political agendas. Just a few years later, AI has evolved into an industry worth trillions of dollars that is already transforming how we live and work. Yet any conversation about the future of AI inevitably leads to the topic o
The nuclear energy comeback
This year, electricity generated from nuclear power is set to reach a record high. Dozens of nuclear reactors are currently under construction, and government support for the sector is at its highest level since the oil crisis in the 1970s. These trends point to a major global comeback for nuclear energy after a prolonged period of stagnation. In this episode, host Dan Hewitt is joined by
Geothermal energy: The future beneath our feet
It's abundant. It's clean. And it’s right beneath our feet. So why is geothermal energy often overlooked in the global energy conversation? Despite its massive potential, geothermal only meets about 1% of global electricity demand today. So, what’s holding it back? And could new technologies transform the way we think about geothermal energy and who can access it? Joining host Dan Hewitt
Why global energy demand is surging
What does the world of energy look like today? In this episode of the IEA’s Everything Energy podcast, which is back from an extended break, we delve into this topic, guided by a brand-new IEA report. The Global Energy Review 2025 is the first assessment of 2024 trends across the energy sector based on the latest data. It shows that growth in energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice i
Gender diversity in the energy sector
In this episode of the podcast - our first for 2021 - we welcome Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Director Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks and Lucila Arboleya, Energy Economics and Financial Analyst at the IEA, to discuss key challenges and opportunities facing gender diversity in the energy sector - widely regarded as one of the least gender diverse parts of the economy.
Energy efficiency in 2020 and why action is needed
In this episode of the podcast we welcome Brian Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency back to the studio to reflect on the worrying trend in efficiency gains this year, as a result of the economic impacts of the Covid-19 crisis. Brian takes us through the importance of efficiency in sustainable, resilient recovery plans and clean energy transitions, and also talks to us about the IEA's rel
Technology, innovation and clean energy transitions
In this episode of the podcast, Timur Guel, Head of the Energy Technology Policy division at the IEA talks to us about the importance of innovation and technology in clean energy transitions, as well as the challenges we face in the innovation cycle, to meet the ambitious climate goals being set by governments and companies around the world.
The resilience of renewables in the face of the Covid-19 crisis
In this episode of the podcast we invited Heymi Bahar, lead author of Renewables 2020 and Senior Renewable Energy Analyst to talk about some of the key findings from this report. Heymi takes us through the story of solar and its rise to the top of electricity generation, the spectacular growth expected for wind, as well as the factors making certain renewable technologies so resilient in
Next steps for the European Green Deal with Dr Fatih Birol & Frans Timmermans
In a special episode of Everything Energy we bring you a conversation between IEA Executive Director, Dr Fatih Birol, and European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, recorded as part of our high-level speaker series Big Ideas. They discuss the way forward for the European Green Deal, as well as the rapid acceleration of climate policies around the world, hydrogen and a
World Energy Outlook 2020 - There is no single storyline about the future
It has been a tumultuous year for the global energy system. The Covid-19 crisis has caused more disruption than any other event in recent history, leaving scars that will last for years to come. But whether this upheaval ultimately helps or hinders efforts to accelerate clean energy transitions and reach international energy and climate goals will depend on how governments respond to toda
Energy Sector Reform in Iraq
In the episode we chat to Ali Al-Saffar, Middle East and Africa Programme Manager at the International Energy Agency about recent work by the IEA on Iraq, as well as the main challenges facing the country as it seeks to reform its energy sector. We recorded this episode following the Iraq Ministerial roundtable discussion hosted by the IEA on 23 July 2020.
The Sustainable Recovery Plan - a roadmap for the energy sector
In this episode of Everything Energy, Laura Cozzi, Chief Energy Modeller at the IEA returns to the show to discuss the latest analysis from the World Energy Outlook series, Sustainable Recovery - which sets out an energy sector roadmap for governments - to spur economic growth, create millions of jobs, and put global emissions into structural decline, as the world moves through the unprec
How is the Covid-19 pandemic impacting investment in the energy sector?
In this episode of the podcast we chat with Tim Gould, Head of Division for Energy Supply Outlooks and Investment at the IEA about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on investment across the energy sector, including oil, gas, coal and power. We also look at the effect of the crisis on investment in renewables and what is needed to stay on track towards clean energy transitions.
Energy efficiency - the first fuel
In Episode #3 of Everything Energy we talk to Brian Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency at the IEA, about the importance of the integration of efficiency into government policy around the world and its vital link to transitions to cleaner energy. Brian also talks us through some of the challenges facing efficiency, and the role it can play in helping economies bounce back from the impact
Black April, oil markets and the Covid-19 pandemic
In this episode we talk to Neil Atkinson, Head of Oil Industry and Markets Division at the IEA, as he reflects on the collapse of oil markets through March, April and May 2020, following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mobility of citizens worldwide. Neil also shares his insights on the change of mood in May, and the repercussions for oil markets as some countries begin to e
How is the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the global energy system & CO2 emissions?
The Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis. But by imposing lockdown measures and widely restricting travel and mobility, governments have also halted much of their own economic activities. The pandemic also represents the biggest shock to the global energy system in over 70 years, set to dwarf the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. In the first episode of Everything En
