The International Energy Agency (IEA) convened over 80 global experts this week to advance the role of sustainable fuels in the energy transition, emphasizing the urgent need for international coordination and policy support.
Held on April 29 in collaboration with Brazil’s COP30 Presidency, the workshop gathered representatives from governments, industry, international organizations and civil society to discuss how to accelerate the adoption of low-emission fuels worldwide.
The meeting highlighted the critical need to set a global ambition for deploying sustainable fuels—such as biofuels, biogases, hydrogen, and hydrogen-derived fuels—and to harmonize carbon accounting frameworks across regions. These fuels are considered vital for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy transport and certain industrial processes.
According to IEA analysis, demand for sustainable fuels is projected to grow by 35% by 2030 under current policies. However, deployment remains insufficient to meet long-term global climate goals, prompting calls for stronger policy action, financial mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration.
The workshop included focused discussions on four key areas: transport, industry, finance, and international cooperation. Experts exchanged views on barriers to scaling demand, shared examples of effective policy incentives and financing models, and provided strategic input for an upcoming IEA report outlining a roadmap for sustainable fuel deployment over the next decade. This report will support Brazil’s leadership of COP30 in 2025.
Participants also stressed the importance of public procurement programmes, expanding international trade in sustainable fuels, promoting technological innovation, and tailoring strategies to specific sectors.
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