Energy-efficiency progress rose to an estimated 1.8%—still short of the global goal

What happened

The International Energy Agency's preliminary estimate put the 2025 improvement in global primary-energy intensity at 1.8 percent, up from 1 percent in 2024. The agency counted more than 250 new or updated efficiency policies in countries representing 85 percent of global energy demand. Even with the acceleration, the estimated rate remained below the 4 percent annual improvement associated with the COP28 goal of doubling efficiency progress by 2030.

Why it matters

Efficiency can lower bills, fuel demand, grid strain, and emissions across buildings, appliances, transport, and industry. The 2025 estimate shows improvement but also a large implementation gap; energy intensity is energy use per unit of economic output, not a direct measurement of every technology's efficiency or of absolute energy demand.

What to watch

• Final 2025 data and any revision to the preliminary 1.8 percent global intensity estimate.
• Measured savings and enforcement from the 250-plus policies rather than adoption counts alone.
• Progress in building codes, air conditioners, motors, industrial systems, transport, and financing toward the 4 percent annual pace.

Sources & evidence

• Energy Efficiency 2025International Energy Agency market report published November 20, 2025. The 2025 intensity improvement is preliminary, and the number of new or updated policies does not by itself demonstrate implementation quality, realized savings, or causation.

Topics

• Energy Efficiency
• Energy Intensity
• COP28
• Energy Policy
• Global Energy