IEA WEO 2008 – Objectivity of the International Energy Agency

Who is the International Energy Agency? According to its website:

“The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor to 28 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, the IEA


With a staff of around 190, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 28 member countries, the IEA conducts a broad programme of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices.”

If the IEA acts as policy advisor, it is clearly involved in many matters of political importance. One question a person might ask is whether the IEA is able to separate its political role from its data analysis role. Is there an energy policy Chinese Wall? Also, there are many other tugs on anyone who provides forecasts to others (consistency with past forecasts, explainable changes due to outside causes, forecasts in line with what the clients want). Given these issues, one might ask whether the IEA can really be expected to be objective. Is there any auditor looking over the IEA’s shoulder? Is there any other outside independent agency looking out for the accuracy of the forecasts?

The Oil Drum