Asik SyedThe Global Energy Review 2025, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), highlights the significant impact of extreme weather on global energy demand in 2024. Record-high temperatures drove a 20% surge in energy consumption, particularly in natural gas and electricity, with coal usage also increasing. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the energy sector, covering fuels, technologies, and carbon dioxide emissions.
Rising Global Energy Demand
In 2024, global energy demand expanded at an accelerated pace. Electricity consumption nearly doubled compared to overall energy demand growth, driven by:
- Higher cooling requirements due to extreme heat
- Increased industrial energy consumption
- Rapid electrification of transport
- Expanding data centers and AI advancements
The Role of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources played a pivotal role in meeting the rising electricity demand. Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached record highs, and together with nuclear power, renewables accounted for 80% of global electricity generation growth. Notably, renewables alone contributed 32% of total power generation, marking a significant milestone.
Sector-Specific Energy Trends
Buildings Sector
Electricity demand in the buildings sector grew four times faster than in 2023, mainly due to a spike in air conditioning usage amid severe heatwaves.
Industrial Sector
The industrial sector accounted for 40% of the total electricity demand increase, with electro-intensive manufacturing significantly boosting power consumption.
Transport Sector & Electric Vehicles
Electricity consumption in transportation rose by 8% in 2024, reflecting a shift toward electrification. Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed 17 million units, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
CO₂ Emissions & Contributing Factors
Despite the growth in clean energy technologies, CO₂ emissions from the energy sector continued to rise, though at a slower pace than in 2023. Key contributors included:
- Extreme heat increasing energy demand
- Natural gas emissions rising by 2.5%, becoming the largest contributor to global carbon emissions growth
- Coal consumption increasing slightly, primarily in China and India
Future Outlook & Clean Energy Transition
The findings underscore the urgency of accelerating the transition to clean energy sources. Key technologies such as solar PV, wind power, nuclear energy, EVs, and heat pumps will be essential in mitigating emissions growth and building a more sustainable energy future.
Neha Baruah
