World Energy Outlook
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The World Energy Outlook (WEO) is an annual publication containing medium- to long-term energy projections and analysis. It is produced by the Economic Analysis Division of the International Energy Agency (IEA), under the direction of Fatih Birol.
With the intergovernmental backing of the IEA, the WEO seeks to provide objective energy analysis and energy projections covering the entire world. The WEO has direct influence on energy policies in IEA member countries and has received widespread international recognition.
In even-numbered years, the WEO presents detailed global energy projections covering supply and demand by fuel and sector. Projections in the 2007 edition are made out as far as 2030. The critical environmental issue of CO2 emissions is addressed by the WEO's global CO2 emissions projections.
In odd-numbered years, the publication focuses on a critical issue or region. For example, the 2007 edition covers the impact of China and India on global energy trends.
The WEO presents two main scenarios. The Reference Scenario describes our energy future under current energy policies and practices. The World Alternative Policy Scenario analyses about 1,400 energy policies currently under consideration to show that another energy future is possible.