World Energy Outlook 2016

The entry into force of the Paris Agreement has raised hopes and expectations of more concerted global efforts to tackle climate change, but how will the various country climate pledges really affect the efficiency and carbon footprint of the energy sector? Will market dynamics change for oil, natural gas and coal – or might the slump in prices for some fuels be here to stay? How can governments address the impact of energy-related pollution on air quality? The World Energy Outlook 2016 (WEO 2016) sheds light on these questions and more, with rigorous quantitative modelling and insightful analysis. The WEO 2016 includes a particular focus on the following topical issues: The impact of COP21: WEO 2016 tracks progress with the implementation of the different pledges made at COP21 and judges what they mean for long-term energy trends; a major focus on renewables: renewable energy is vital to steer the energy system to the low-carbon future envisioned in the Paris agreement; the road ahead for fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural gas remain the bedrock of global energy use but all face an uncertain period of adjustment, both to today’s market conditions and – over the longer term – to the prospect of a new policy landscape post-COP21; energy and water: energy depends on water, and water requires energy. This analysis assesses current and future freshwater requirements for energy production. Two special reports in the WEO 2016 series have already been released: Mexico’s energy outlook (October) and a special report on energy and air quality (June).