
IEA WEO shows COP pledges need to address electricity decarbonisation head-on
The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2021 sets out the organisation’s view of the energy transition landscape.
Global Programme Lead, Ember
The IEA’s World Energy Outlook shows that electricity sector decarbonisation is the biggest single lever for closing the 2030 ambition gap for 1.5C. Wind and solar deployment this decade need to be double what is already announced by countries. That would cut coal generation enough to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. COP26 will be defined by what commitments are forthcoming for 2030, so the fact that the power sector is where the biggest gap lies means COP commitments for 2030 need to address clean power head on.

The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2021 (WEO), published today, sets out the organisation’s view of the energy transition landscape. With analysis of this year’s energy data, as well as climate pledges and future scenarios, the WEO sends a strong signal to governments and investors on what should and can be done for the energy transition heading into COP26. Ember’s Global Programme Lead Dave Jones reflects on key takeaways from the WEO, and its importance for stakeholders in the electricity transition.