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IEA Releases 2024 Documentation of Global Energy and Climate Model
Apr 21, 2025
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its 2024 Global Energy and Climate (GEC) Model Documentation, offering deep insights into one of the world’s most influential tools for energy systems and climate policy analysis. The GEC Model underpins key IEA reports and scenarios that guide global strategies toward a sustainable energy future.
The updated model introduces major enhancements, including more granular demand projections in industrial sectors, a new bottom-up module for global shipping, and improved modeling of building typologies for heating and cooling analysis. It continues to drive three core scenarios: the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), the Announced Pledges Scenario (APS), and the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE)—each reflecting different policy and ambition levels.
Covering 27 regions and all sectors—from final energy use to supply and transformation—the model delivers comprehensive assessments of energy security, emissions trajectories, investment needs, technology costs, and employment implications. It integrates behavioral changes, critical mineral demand, and variable renewable energy (VRE) potential, supported by IEA data and international collaborations.
The documentation enhances transparency by detailing model methodologies, assumptions, and data sources, thereby strengthening confidence among policymakers, researchers, and investors. It also positions the GEC Model as a platform for international cooperation, helping align national strategies with global climate objectives.
However, the model’s complexity and dependence on assumptions pose challenges for widespread use and effective communication. Translating scenario outputs into actionable insights requires both technical expertise and clear storytelling. Overall, the GEC Model remains a cornerstone for evidence-based policymaking, offering structured, scenario-driven insights critical for navigating the energy transition and global decarbonization goals.