Tracking Clean Energy Progress

The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) is a pathway for the global energy sector to achieve net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, while also achieving universal energy access by 2030 and major improvements in air quality.

Tracking Clean Energy Progress (TCEP) assesses recent developments for 55 components of the energy system that are critical for clean energy transitions. Progress is assessed against the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory for 2030, and recommendations are provided on how they can get 'on track' with this pathway. The assessed components include technologies, infrastructure, sectors, subsectors and cross-cutting strategies.

Of the 55 components tracked, 2 are fully “On track” with the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory – electric vehicles and lighting. However, recent policy action and technology developments – record renewable electricity capacity additions, increasing momentum in hydrogen and carbon capture project announcements, to name just a few – indicate that momentum is accelerating on clean energy transitions.  

The IEA's Tracking Clean Energy Progress (TCEP) assesses recent developments for 55 components of the energy system that are critical for clean energy transitions. The components assessed include sectors, subsectors, technologies, infrastructure and cross-cutting strategies.

Progress is assessed against the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory for 2030. In the current edition, projections and estimates are based on research and modelling results derived from data and policy inputs gathered up to July 2022. More updated data is available in the World Energy Outlook 2022, released in October 2022.

Each component is assigned one of the following ‘traffic light’ ratings:

• On track (green): if recent trends continue, in 2030 this area will comfortably be in line with the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario
• More efforts needed (yellow): recent trends are positive and generally in the right direction to being in line by 2030 with the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory. However, progress needs to be faster, as a continuation of recent trends without any acceleration would still fall short of the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory.
• Not on track (red): recent trends are either in the wrong direction or substantially insufficient to get in line by 2030 with the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory. This does not exclude that there may be positive developments on certain aspects or in certain regions; however, a step-change in effort is needed at the global level.

The assessment includes consideration of multiple indicators, such as trends and developments related to CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, activity, technology deployment, innovation, supporting infrastructure, policy, investment, international collaboration and private sector strategies. The assessment does not rely on a single particular quantitative indicator, but rather is an overall evaluation of the key factors that would contribute to Net Zero by 2050 Scenario alignment by 2030.