Energy Policies of IEA Countries

2006 review

What are the latest developments in energy policy and markets in the 26 member countries of the International Energy Agency and other key non-member countries such as China, India and Russia ? This compilation contains a broad analysis of recent trends and an easily accessible overview of energy policy during the last 12 months.

The years 2005-2006 can be characterised by acute energy policy challenges, including volatile energy markets, a pro-longed activation of IEA's coordinated stock draw after Hurricane Katrina well into 2006, and continued geopolitical tensions in a number of producing countries. The macroeconomic impact of extremely high energy prices raised concerns while gas supply crises in Europe in January 2006 further sharpened the focus on security of supply. Accelerating indications of global climate change increased pressure to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The broader overview section of the 2006 edition examines trends in energy markets, including an analysis of energy demand and supply, energy prices and energy related CO₂ emissions. It highlights key policy trends across member and non-member countries on energy security, energy market reform, climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, renewables and energy R&D. The book contains a special chapter on energy efficiency, which compares the most successful efficiency policies of member countries on the basis of In-Depth Review findings of the past three years. It also presents the major findings of the World Energy Outlook 2006 , key statistical information and brief summaries of major IEA publications released during the past year.