Scenarios in the World Energy Outlook 2025
Authors: Laura Cozzi, Director, Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks; Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist
Date: 05 November 2025
Introduction
The World Energy Outlook has been regarded as the premier source for long-term energy modeling. The 2025 edition will be released on 12 November. Since its first annual publication in 1998, the Outlook has aimed not to predict a single future, but to explore multiple possible futures through different scenarios.
Methodology
All scenarios start from the same baseline, which includes the most recent data on energy supply and demand, markets, technology costs, and policies. They also share identical assumptions regarding future population and economic growth.
Data Access and Updates
- The IEA has discontinued the Beyond 2020 format (including IVT files and WDS).
- Data is now accessible through the .Stat Data Explorer platform.
- Users can export the data in Excel and CSV formats.
- A free IEA account is required to download reports or subscribe to paid services.
"The World Energy Outlook has long been recognised as the gold standard of long-term energy modelling."
Authors’ Summary
The Outlook’s multi-scenario approach provides a comprehensive understanding of potential energy futures, helping policymakers and stakeholders navigate uncertainty.
Publication Information
IEA (2025), Scenarios in the World Energy Outlook 2025, IEA, Paris
Licence: CC BY 4.0
Original source available at: https://www.iea.org/commentaries/scenarios-in-the-world-energy-outlook-2025
Author’s Note
The 2025 World Energy Outlook offers a nuanced picture of the future by examining various scenarios rooted in the latest data, helping to shape informed energy decisions worldwide.