In 1974, the IEA was established as an autonomous agency within the framework of the OECD to help co-ordinate a collective response to major disruptions in the supply of oil. While oil security remains a key aspect of the agency's work, the IEA has evolved and expanded significantly since its foundation.
Taking an all-fuels, all-technology approach, the IEA recommends policies that enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy. It examines the full spectrum issues including renewables, oil, gas and coal supply and demand, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies, electricity systems and markets, access to energy, demand-side management, and much more.
Since 2015, the IEA has opened its doors to major emerging countries to expand its global impact, and deepen cooperation in energy security, data and statistics, energy policy analysis, energy efficiency, and the growing use of clean energy technologies.
Associated countries are: Brazil, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Morocco and South Africa.