IEA chief: 'Fossil fuel subsidies are public enemy number one for green energy'

clock

Fatih Birol says it does not make sense for governments to promote renewables at the same time as subsidising coal, oil and gas

The International Energy Agency's (IEA) chief economist has today again urged governments around the world to end the $0.5tr of annual subsidies given to oil and gas production, while also warning that...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Policy

Renewables Obligation scheme index change accused of 'damaging investor confidence'

Renewables Obligation scheme index change accused of 'damaging investor confidence'

Decision to change index-linked subsidy payments prompts criticism from investors, but others argue end to policy uncertainty could help unlock new deals

Michael Nelson, Investment Week
clock 02 February 2026 • 4 min read
Shaun Spiers to step down as chair of Green Alliance

Shaun Spiers to step down as chair of Green Alliance

Executive director of influential think tank and chair of the Greener UK coalition of environmental groups to step down at the end of February

James Murray
clock 30 January 2026 • 2 min read
 Government extends Warm Home Discount for five years to 2030

Government extends Warm Home Discount for five years to 2030

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirms extension of energy bill support scheme, as new analysis reiterates that high gas prices are primary driver of increased energy bills

Amber Rolt and James Murray
clock 29 January 2026 • 4 min read