The global energy demand increased by 2.2% in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Energy Review. This means growth was well above the average of the past decade.
The increased demand was mainly met by the rising use of renewable energy and natural gas.
The lion's share of the increased energy demand (more than 80%) came from developing countries and emerging economies, but after several years of decline, demand also increased slightly in developed countries.
In particular, there was more demand for electricity: that type of consumption increased by 4.3% – almost double the average of the past decade. The increase was mainly due to the increased use of air conditioners in response to record temperatures, the electrification of cars and the increase in data centres and the use of artificial intelligence.
This increased demand for electricity was largely met by a continued rollout of renewable energy. Together with nuclear power, low-carbon energy sources thus accounted for 40% of global electricity production for the first time. But global consumption of natural gas also increased (+2.7%).
In contrast, oil demand rose only slightly (+0.8%), making oil represent less than 30% of total energy demand for the first time. Coal demand also increased slightly (+1%).
Due to the rapid rollout of renewable energy, energy-related CO2 emissions rose only 0.8% to 37.8 billion tonnes. Emissions in developed economies fell 1.1% to 10.9 billion tonnes, the lowest level in 50 years.
