About the International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation based in Paris that works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 28 member countries and beyond.
The agency was established within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974 in response to the first oil shock, to coordinate supply emergency measures among the world's major oil consuming countries. Australia joined the IEA in 1979.
It has subsequently developed into the world's premier energy policy forum and advisory body, with an integrated work program covering all strategic aspects of energy policy development.
The key mission of the IEA is to ensure the energy security of its 28 member countries. The IEA has four prime objectives:
- energy security
- environmental protection
- economic growth
- engaging emerging major energy consuming countries.
Key work areas of the IEA are focused on:
- emergency preparedness
- oil and gas markets
- energy statistics
- energy efficiency, energy technology, policy analysis and cooperation.
The IEA's flagship publication is the World Energy Outlook published at the end of each year.
Australia signed the Agreement on an International Energy Program in 1979 and in so doing became a member of the IEA.
How is RET involved?
The IEA provides a unique forum through which the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) can engage in global energy policy debates of direct relevance to Australia's economic interests.
It provides a unique opportunity for the department to influence the development of global energy policy thinking and responses to these challenges.
The IEA is a valuable source of international knowledge and experience which the department draws upon to inform its policy analysis and advice.
The department's engagement priorities for the IEA include:
- promoting the development of efficient, transparent and competitive global energy markets to help address energy access, affordability and security challenges
- promoting market-based development and deployment of technological solutions to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel use at least cost to economic growth
- promoting effective engagement with the Asia-Pacific, focusing on China and India.
More information
For more information about the International Energy Agency visit the IEA website.