Global Energy Demand Rises as Power Consumption Jumps

Renewables surged in 2024 — but so did fossil fuels

The world is grappling with an energy crisis — not one of scarcity, but one created by overwhelming demand. More energy-hungry data centers and AI algorithms are coming online. Developing countries are using more energy to support their people and industries. And as the world electrifies — replacing gas cars with electric vehicles, for instance — it will use ever more power. So the electrical grid doesn’t just need renewables (and batteries to s…

WEEK'S FIGURES. Electricity consumption increased by 4.3% in 2024, while natural gas production increased by 2.7% and coal by 1%.

Global Energy Demand Rose in 2024, but Most Additional Need Was Met by ‘Low-Emissions Sources’: IEA Report

Global temperatures caused the world’s energy demand to rise at a faster-than-average pace in 2024, with increased renewables and natural gas supplying most of the additional energy needs, according to the Global Energy Review 2025 from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Following years of declines, energy consumption in advanced economies went up again, driving increased demand for renewables, gas, nuclear and coal, a press release from IEA…

Global energy consumption increased significantly more last year than in previous years.

The increase was largely caused by cooling buildings to withstand heat. Due to the increased energy demand, the climate goals are getting further out of sight.

Last year, much more energy was used worldwide than in previous years. Oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, solar and wind: we used more of every energy source last year. The hunger for energy also grew relatively quickly. The growth was mainly in emerging countries, but Europe also used half a percent more energy. However, the use of highly polluting coal decreased in Europe. Japan was the only country that used less energy. All other region…