International Energy Agency (IEA) - Energy Forecast - UK

The IEA was created in 1974 to help co-ordinate a collective response to major disruptions in the supply of oil.

Since its foundation the IEA has evolved and expanded significantly.

Taking an all-fuels, all-technology approach, the IEA recommends policies that enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy. It examines the full spectrum issues including renewables, oil, gas and coal supply and demand, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies, electricity systems and markets, access to energy, demand-side management, and much more.

The United Kingdom is a global leader in decarbonisation with a net-zero goal by 2050

IEA analysis shapes policies to enable the world to meet climate, energy access and air quality goals while maintaining a strong focus on the reliability and affordability of energy for all.

The United Kingdom is a global leader in decarbonisation with a net-zero goal by 2050 and 5-yearly carbon budgets, and a plan to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, from 1990 levels. Building on the UK’s strengths, energy technology and innovation is at the centre of the decarbonisation policy.

The innovative ambition and potential of the UK is reflected in the Energy White Paper of 2020 and the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution (offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear, carbon capture, alongside energy efficiency). By 2030, the UK is expected to have a power mix with very high shares of wind and solar. The UK is scaling up flexible electricity markets and technologies. In the short-term, the contribution of natural gas is likely to increase, notably during winter periods, as existing coal and nuclear power capacity is retired and new nuclear plants face a contested outlook.

The UK has been able to stabilise oil and gas production from the North Sea. Given its long term decline, the UK will increasingly rely on imports and needs to support the transition for affected workers and communities.

The 2018 IEA review provides recommendations to help the country guide the transition of UK’s energy sector.