ThermoCluster - Heat generation from infrastructure projects and integration into decentralised low-temperature heating and cooling networks for plus-energy districts

Integrative assessment of the geothermal potential of the Brenner base tunnel and the northern portal area, and the subsequent distribution of the heat generated from these sources to the end-consumer in potential plus-energy districts of the city of Innsbruck.

IEA HPT Annex 63: Impact of heat pump placement on noise emissions

Noise emissions from heat pumps are a potential barrier for broad market diffusion of this energy efficiency technology, especially in urban areas. In this project, the influences of noise emissions in the building and in the neighbourhood are characterised, their psychoacoustic effects are analysed in more detail, and tools for digitally supporting heat pump placement are further developed. The results will be presented to relevant target groups in the form of guidelines and other documentation.

Innovative heat pump solutions: Research for efficient and sustainable heating and cooling

Heat pumps are considered a key technology for the energy transition. The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure is therefore promoting research into innovative heat pump technologies.

BTTAB - Broad-based testing of energy-efficient demonstration buildings with thermally activated building components

Buildings with thermal building component activation that have not yet been researched in as many federal states and application categories as possible will be monitored, which will include operating data as well as the experiences of those involved. The aim of this study is to take a general look at the various applications of the thermal building component activation technology and to evaluate and compare the pilot projects with the help of suitable evaluation criteria.

IEA Bioenergy Task 33: Gasification of biogenic and waste feedstocks for a sustainable future (Working Period 2025 - 2027)

Thermal gasification will be crucial for the energy transition. Austria’s participation in the project strengthens the exchange of information and networking between stakeholders. This ensures that Austrian actors are regularly informed about gasification activities in other member countries. In the task workshops, they can also present their own research and industry projects and benefit from international knowledge sharing.

IEA AMF Task 66: Recent Progress in SAF Research (working period 2026 - 2027)

AMF Task 66 will build on the work and results of AMF Task 63 on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The Task will conduct 10 online workshops to exchange information and results on current research on SAF production and its application, as well as on related policy measures. This will enable the Task countries to better understand the state of the art, identify further research needs and derive recommendations for governments seeking to expand SAF production or use.

IEA Cities Task 5 / EBC Annex 97: Resilient and sustainable cooling in cities (Working period 2026 - 2029)

Task 5 Resilient and sustainable cooling in cities deepens and disseminates internationally available knowledge about the possibilities and positive interactions of heat reduction in outdoor spaces and sustainable cooling of buildings. This is done in the interests of human health, safety and well-being, as well as energy efficiency and a climate-neutral economy.

IEA AMF Task 66: Recent Progress in SAF Research (working period 2024 - 2026)

AMF Task 66 will build on the work and results of AMF Task 63 on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The Task will conduct workshops to exchange information and results on current research on SAF production and its application, as well as on related policy measures. This will enable the Task countries to better understand the state of the art, identify further research needs and derive recommendations for governments seeking to expand SAF production or use.

IEA Cities Task 4: Climate Neutral Districts (Working period 2026 - 2029)

The Task 4 develops and adapts methods and frameworks for the practical planning, implementation and evaluation of climate-neutral neighbourhoods. Interoperable data platforms, governance structures, stakeholder engagement and analytical approaches are systematically considered to create a robust, scalable methodology that enables cities to measure their progress and achieve climate-neutral goals while maintaining social and economic balance.

IEA HPT WP H2 & CO2: Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture

The energy transition requires new energy carriers, technologies, and infrastructure. Hydrogen and CO2 will play important roles and require new plants and infrastructure. This project analyses the potential of heat integration using heat pumps in H2 production and CO2 capture processes, as well as in the associated infrastructure, with a focus on cost and energy efficiency. The results will be prepared and disseminated as factsheets, concepts, and guidelines tailored to specific target groups.

IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

The IEA's Solar Heating and Cooling program has been carrying out joint research activities in the field of solar thermal energy since 1977. The focus is on the active and passive use of solar energy for heating and cooling of buildings, solar district heating and solar heat for industrial applications.

IEA ES Task 46: Application-oriented energy storage selection

Up to now, the energy system has been thought primarily in terms of supply – for example, through the expansion of wind or PV plants. In the future, however, planning must be based more on demand: How much energy is needed when, in what form, and with what system relevance – and which storage solutions can provide this as efficiently as possible? The goal is to develop a well-founded, practice-oriented “match-making matrix” for selecting the most suitable energy storage technology (electrical, chemical, thermal) for specific applications.

IEA - Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme (AMF-TCP)

The AMF Technology Collaboration Programme’s (AMF-TCP) vision is that advanced motor fuels, applicable to all modes of transport, significantly contribute to a sustainable society around the globe. The mission of AMF is to advance the understanding and appreciation of the potential of advanced motor fuels toward transport sustainability. We provide sound scientific information and technology assessments facilitating informed and science-based decisions regarding advanced motor fuels on all levels of decision-making.

IEA EBC Annex 96: Grid Integrated Control of Buildings

The energy transition requires buildings to become active, flexible components of future energy systems. With the growing share of variable renewable energy, demand-side flexibility is increasingly vital for grid stability and decarbonisation. IEA EBC Annex 96 develops digital, interoperable control concepts to unlock and scale building flexibility across electricity, heating, and cooling networks.

IEA Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (EBC TCP)

The Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme by the IEA enables collaborative research and development projects. Thematically, it focuses on integrating energy efficient and sustainable technologies in buildings and communities.

Informing Land-Use decisions about consequences for biodiversity

24. March 2026
Online, AT

Growing awareness of the biodiversity crisis has prompted businesses and decision-makers to address biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. To accomplish this, governance systems are necessary to help accelerate the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into decision-making processes.

IEA EV Task 53: Interoperability of Bidirectional Charging (INBID) (Working period 2025 - 2027

This task intends to act and help to test the conformance of the upcoming ISO15118-2X amendments referring to bidirectional charging. In addition, it gives countries and members, which do not own labs or do not have a large automotive industry, the opportunity to participate in the development of interoperable bidirectional charging common and to coordinate their activities in an international framework.

Decarbonization of Cities and Communities (Cities TCP)

The Cities TCP is a joint international effort that aims to accelerate the decarbonization in cities by providing a communication platform for relevant expertise of all IEA bodies to the local scale including cities, financing institutions, utilities, service providers and building constructors. Vice-versa, the platform generates evidence-based research questions of cities needs for IEA TCPs.

IEA Electric Vehicle Technology Collaboration Programme (EV-TCP)

The Technology Collaboration Programme on Electric Vehicles (EV TCP) vision is that the electric drivetrain will be used as the predominant transportation mode in a sustainable transport system that is preferably powered by renewable energy and does not produce harmful emissions.

IEA UsersTCP SLA 2.0: Inclusive and Community-Oriented Approaches to a Social License to Automate (Working period 2022-2024)

The energy transition is critical in solving the climate crisis. Automated demand side management has great potential in this process but struggles with social acceptance. In SLA2.0, the role of gender and diversity factors concerning flexibility and engagement was analysed, and the potential contribution of energy communities to a social license for automation was explored. Based on the findings, flexibility profiles and recommendations were developed.