The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous body, which was established within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OEDC) in 1974. The IEA carries out a comprehensive programme of energy co-operation among its 24 member countries.

The main goals are:

·         to maintain and improve systems for coping with oil supply disruptions;

·         to promote rational energy policies in a global context through co-operative relations with non-member countries, industry and international organisations;

·         to operate a permanent information system on the international oil market;

·         to improve the world’s energy supply and demand structure by developing alternative energy sources and increasing the efficiency of energy use;

·         to assist in the integration of environmental and energy policies.

Developing and using improved energy technology contributes to economic growth, environmental protection and increased energy security. It is a central part of the IEA's work. The IEA’s experience has shown that international collaboration on energy technology avoids duplicating of effort, cuts costs and speeds progress.

The IEA brings together policy makers and experts from Member countries to discuss common issues, undertake studies to assist Members with technology policy development and provides a framework for 40 collaborative energy research, development and demonstration projects known as Implementing Agreements.

International Energy Agency has made with some of its member countries an Implementing Agreement on District Heating & Cooling (link http://www.iea-dhc.org/home.htm) including the integration of CHP.

The mission of the agreement is to conduct highly effective Research and Development as well as policy analysis of District Heating and Cooling Systems with low Environmental Impact through international collaboration.