The United States has issued a strong warning that it may withdraw from the International Energy Agency (IEA) if the organization continues to emphasize a green energy transition at the expense of fossil fuels. U.S. officials argue that the IEA’s current energy forecasts overly prioritize renewable energy adoption and underestimate the ongoing global demand for oil and gas.
Energy leadership in the U.S. has expressed frustration with the IEA’s projections, which predict a peak in oil demand within this decade, driven largely by electric vehicle growth and emission reduction policies. The U.S. contends that these forecasts are unrealistic given the current energy market realities and the world’s continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The IEA, originally established to promote energy security, has increasingly incorporated climate goals into its mission, a shift that has drawn criticism from some policymakers and industry stakeholders who fear this focus may undermine economic stability and energy availability.
With the U.S. being a major financial contributor to the IEA, its potential exit could significantly impact the agency’s influence on global energy policy. As tensions rise ahead of upcoming IEA summits, the debate between advancing the green transition and maintaining fossil fuel supplies is set to intensify, potentially reshaping international energy governance in the years ahead.
