Worldwide Energy Usage Increased Significantly in 2024, Attributable Primarily to Renewable Sources and Natural Gas - As Per IEA Findings
In 2024, the global energy demand saw a significant increase, rising by 2% to reach a record 592 exajoules (EJ), according to the Emirates News Agency. This surge was primarily driven by factors such as rapid economic growth, especially in the Asia Pacific region, widespread electrification, and the growing use of digital technologies like AI and data centers.
One of the key contributors to the rise in electricity consumption was the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) and electrification of heat and transport, expansion of domestic appliances and air conditioning, growth in digital infrastructure such as data centers due to AI advances, and industrialization and economic momentum, notably in Asia Pacific which accounted for 68% of demand growth.
The growth in electricity demand was met by a combination of renewable energy and natural gas. Renewables (especially solar and wind) and nuclear power together supplied nearly three-quarters of the global electricity supply growth in 2024, raising their combined share to just over 40%. Solar generation in the US, for example, increased by 27% in 2024, with notable expansion in states like Texas and California. Wind also rose by 8%, making up 10% of US electricity generation.
Globally, wind and solar have been expanding rapidly; their combined share of global electricity generation is projected to reach nearly 20% by 2026. Natural gas power generation also increased, rising by about 1.3% in 2024 and 2025 to support the transition away from more carbon-intensive coal. Gas often acts as a flexible, lower-emission complement to renewables to ensure grid stability.
Advanced economies reduced emissions by 1.1%, bringing emissions down to levels not seen in 50 years, despite GDP growth. This reduction was aided by the rapid adoption of clean technologies such as solar, wind, EVs, heat pumps, and nuclear, which now prevent 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, or 7% of global emissions.
Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the energy demand growth in 2024. While global GDP grew by 3.2% in 2024, energy demand lagged slightly, indicating growing efficiency. Electricity consumption surged by 1,100 terawatt-hours in 2024, nearly twice the decade average.
Notably, oil demand rose by 0.8%, dropping below 30% of global energy use for the first time in over 50 years. This decrease was offset by the 25% jump in electric vehicle (EV) sales, with 1 in 5 new cars sold globally being electric, thereby offsetting road transport oil demand.
China's emissions growth slowed, but its per-capita emissions are now 16% higher than advanced economies and nearly double the global average. China's energy use grew less than 3% in 2024, which was half its 2023 pace.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Global Energy Review in 2024, reporting a 2.2% increase in global energy demand for the year. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol commented on the findings, emphasizing the need for continued investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures to meet future energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.
In summary, the factors driving the rise in global energy and electricity demand in 2024 were primarily economic growth, electrification of various sectors, and technology-driven demand increases. This demand was met by a rapid expansion of renewables—especially solar and wind—alongside growth in natural gas generation to provide reliable, lower-carbon electricity.
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