Technology
Fostering energy technology innovation is a central part of the IEA’s work. Development and deployment of safer, cleaner, more efficient technologies is imperative for energy security, environmental protection and economic growth. IEA experience has shown that international collaboration on these activities avoids duplication of effort, cuts costs and speeds progress.The IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme deals with technologies for fossil fuels, renewable energy, efficient energy end-use and fusion power, as well as electric power technologies and technology assessment methodologies. IEA Implementing Agreements offer the framework for collaborative research projects. Benefits include pooled resources and shared costs, harmonisation of standards and hedging of technical risks. Among the many areas covered by Agreements are bioenergy, solar heating and cooling, wind turbine systems, advanced fuel cells and electric vehicles.