Glossary
IEA Heat Pumping Technologies TCP
The **IEA Heat Pumping Technologies TCP** is an international Technology Collaboration Programme operating under the framework of the International Energy Agency. Its mission is to advance the development, deployment, and integration of heat pumping technologies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling.
The programme brings together governments, research institutions, industry experts, and...
Inertial Confinement Fusion
**Inertial Confinement Fusion** (ICF) is an advanced form of nuclear fusion where fuel in the form of hydrogen isotopes is compressed and heated to extremely high temperatures using powerful laser or ion beams. This process aims to replicate the conditions found in the core of stars, where nuclear fusion naturally occurs, thus producing immense amounts of energy. The targeted fuel is contained within a small spherical capsule, which, when struck uniformly by the focused beams, implodes and...
Integrated Assessment Modeling (IAM)
**Integrated Assessment Modeling (IAM)** is a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach used to analyze complex environmental, economic, and social systems to understand and address global challenges such as climate change. By seamlessly combining data from various sectors, IAM offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating the impacts of different policy decisions, technological advancements, and socio-economic trends on sustainable development.
IAM integrates knowledge from fields such as...
Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs)
**Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs)** are long-term plans that energy companies use to decide how to produce and deliver electricity in the future. These plans help ensure that people have reliable, affordable, and clean energy for years to come.
IRPs look at different ways to generate power, like using coal, natural gas, solar, wind, or hydro. They also consider how people use energy and ways to reduce waste, such as energy efficiency programs.
Utility companies create IRPs by studying...
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The **Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)** is a United Nations body dedicated to the assessment of scientific data related to climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks, as well as formulating adaptive and mitigative strategies. Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the IPCC aims to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments that are fundamental for understanding climate...
Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW)
**Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW)** refers to a type of radioactive waste that falls between low-level and high-level waste in terms of radioactivity. Unlike low-level waste (LLW), ILW contains higher concentrations of radioisotopes, hence it requires more robust containment and shielding to ensure safe handling and disposal. However, unlike high-level waste (HLW), ILW does not generate significant amounts of heat due to radioactive decay, making its management relatively less...
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The **International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)**, an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system, is dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and inhibiting its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA serves as a central hub for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field globally. It functions under a mission to ensure safe, secure, and peaceful...
Inverter
An **inverter** is a device that converts DC (direct current) from solar panels to AC (alternating current) for household or commercial use. It is common across solar system architectures.
Iridium
**Iridium** is a very dense, hard, and corrosion resistant transition metal belonging to the platinum group. It is one of the rarest elements in Earth’s crust and is typically obtained as a byproduct of nickel and platinum mining. Iridium is silvery white, has an extremely high melting point of about 2 446 °C, and is known for being the most corrosion resistant metal, even at high temperatures. Because of its stability and catalytic properties, iridium is used in specialised applications such...