One year post-IRA: Industrial policy expands globally – What’s next?

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The Future of the Inflation Reduction Act: A Global Perspective

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been making waves in the US economy, with over 100,000 clean energy jobs created and nearly $90 billion invested in clean energy projects. This legislation, aimed at revitalizing domestic industry and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, has significant global implications as well. While the IRA has shown early success, there is still much work to be done to achieve global net-zero emissions by midcentury.

The challenge lies in the fact that the IRA represents only a fraction of the total investment needed to reach global net-zero goals. Other countries, such as the European Union and Japan, have also implemented similar industrial policies to drive clean energy innovation and investment. The key now is to find ways to maximize the potential of the IRA and other industrial strategies to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

US policymakers are urged to consider extending the IRA’s provisions beyond 2032 to provide more long-term certainty for investors. Additionally, collaboration with like-minded allies overseas is crucial to align incentives and standards for clean energy technologies. By working together, countries can create a fairer and more durable global economic order that benefits everyone.

As the IRA celebrates its anniversary, it is clear that the legislation is here to stay and will continue to shape the global energy transition. The focus now is on optimizing the IRA and fostering positive investment trends worldwide to achieve the larger goal of a sustainable, low-carbon future. The time for action is now, and cooperation among nations is essential to drive progress towards a cleaner, greener world.