The International Energy Agency (IEA) was formed in 1974 as an autonomous body within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The IEA works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for both its member countries and nations around the world. Currently, there are 33 member countries participating in the IEA; there are also 13 countries with association status and 4 countries who are accession to the IEA.

The agency has established a legal framework for international collaboration, which takes place under 38 Implementing Agreements for Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs). These TCPs cover a wide assortment of energy technologies in fossil energy, renewable energy, nuclear fusion research, industry, building and transport.

For more information on the International Energy Agency, visit the IEA Website.

The IEA focuses its R&D, demonstration, and information exchange on four main areas:

• Energy security
• Economic development
• Environmental awareness
• Worldwide engagement

The IEA Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT) supervises the TCPs. CERT has also mandated that the Working Party for Renewable Energy Technologies (REWP) identify technologies likely to contribute to the IEA goals, promote collaborative R&D, and initiate, promote, and review Implementing Agreements in the renewable energy field.