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The International Energy Agency (IEA) supports its member states in researching and developing sustainable energy technologies.

The Technology Initiatives of the International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has an advisory function and supports its 30 member states in promoting research, development and application of sustainable energy technologies worldwide. Whereas in the past the priority was to secure the oil supply, the focal areas today are a common climate policy, market reforms and cooperation in the development of new energy technologies. Emerging markets are to be informed and included in energy policy issues.

The Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCP) are the main instrument of the IEA in implementing its technology policy. They cover the entire energy technology spectrum and contractually define the working topics, rules and objectives of multilateral cooperation. Germany is currently involved in 22 of the 38 ongoing TCPs.

Cooperation for industry and research institutes

Not every member state considers all the IEA's thematic priorities to be relevant to its own energy policy. A major advantage is therefore the optional country participation in TCP. It offers member states the opportunity to participate in international cooperation in research and technological development, as well as demonstration and dissemination of innovative technologies in the energy sector. Non-member states may also participate in the TCPs. The TCP enables research institutions and commercial enterprises to cooperate in all technological areas of non-nuclear energy research and fusion.

Germany is participating in five TCPs in the field of power generation technologies:

  • Fluidized Bed Conversion (FBC TCP)
  • Geothermal Energy (Geothermal TCP)
  • Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS TCP)
  • Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems (SolarPACES)
  • Wind Energy Systems (Wind TCP)

Detailed information on the IEA and the technology initiatives is available on the website energieforschung.de.