Global energy demand grew significantly in 2024, driven by a surge in electricity consumption, according to the latest IEA Global Energy Review. Renewables and natural gas covered most of the additional demand.

The report highlights key trends, including the continued rise of clean energy technologies, shifting fossil fuel demand, and the increasing decoupling of carbon emissions from economic growth:

• Global energy demand grew by 2.2 per cent in 2024, outpacing the 1.3 per cent average annual growth (2013–2023).

• Emerging and developing economies contributed over 80 per cent of the increase.

• Electricity consumption rose by 4.3 per cent (1,100 TWh) driven by high temperatures, industrial use, EVs, AI, and data centres.

• Renewables and nuclear met 80 per cent of new electricity demand, contributing 40 per cent of total power generation.

• Natural gas demand rose by 2.7 per cent (115 bcm), the largest increase among fossil fuels.

• Oil’s share of global energy demand fell below 30 per cent for the first time in 50 years.

• 25 per cent increase in EV sales.

• Global CO2 emissions rose by 0.8 per cent to 37.8 billion tonnes, largely due to record temperatures.

• Advanced economies' CO2 emissions fell by 1.1 per cent.

• China’s per-capita emissions are now 16 per cent above advanced economies, nearly twice the global average.

• Clean energy technologies are preventing 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.