Aligning the scenarios underpinning national energy and climate plans is essential to ensure sound policy direction in the transition to renewable energy. While these planning processes have traditionally been developed separately, they are becoming increasingly interconnected, as both shape decarbonisation pathways. Without alignment, countries risk sending conflicting policy signals and creating uncertainty for stakeholders. At the same time, climate planning extends beyond the energy sector, encompassing economy-wide mitigation and adaptation priorities.

Responding to growing demand from countries and international partners – including the UNFCCC, United Nations Development Programme, Global Green Growth Institute and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – this report builds on earlier work by the International Renewable Energy Agency to deepen the analysis of alignment between long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS) and long-term energy scenarios (LTES). In the context of the third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2025, the report examines both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of alignment, including a comparison of key energy transition indicators and ambition levels across planning frameworks.

Drawing on a dataset of over 100 planning documents across more than 50 countries, the analysis assesses how closely energy and climate plans converge on targets for 2030 and 2050. It is complemented by insights from interviews with government planners, offering practical perspectives on institutional co-ordination and factors enabling alignment. Together, these findings provide actionable guidance for strengthening coherence across planning processes and supporting more effective implementation of national climate and energy strategies.

Report by the International Renewable Energy Agency