Global Energy Demand Surges 4.3% With Renewables and Natural Gas Leading Growth

Extreme heat in India and China, alongside rising AI and electric vehicle energy needs, drive the sharpest increase in demand in over a decade.

The International Energy Agency reported a 4.3% rise in global energy demand last year, nearly double the decade's average growth rate.
Renewable energy and natural gas were the primary sources meeting the increased demand, with fossil fuels like coal and oil growing more slowly.
Air conditioning usage, fueled by extreme temperatures in India and China, was a major contributor to the surge in energy consumption.
Emerging and developing countries accounted for over 80% of the absolute increase in global energy demand, reflecting regional disparities.
Nuclear energy experienced a resurgence, with six new reactors completed globally, including two in China, resulting in a one-third increase in installed capacity.