International Energy Agency (IEA)
Background
IEA was formed by a group of OECD member states in
1974 after the oil crisis. First aim was to set up a system to share available
oil resources in times of supply crises. Later another focus was developed
in the area of future of energy supplies and a number of research and information
exchange programs have been established. The collaboration takes place
under Implementing Agreements (IA) which specify the commitments of the
Contracting Parties. There are five IEA R&D
Working Parties under which a number of IAs are performed. The Contracting
Parties can be government organisations or private entities designated
by their respective governments. Non-IEA Member countries can become Associate
Contracting Parties. Today there are 25 Participating
Countries in the IEA work.