Global energy demand slowed in 2025 but electricity use surged ahead driven by electrification and a record year for solar.
New analysis from the IEA, shows overall energy demand rose by just 1.3% last year below the previous decade average as weaker economic growth milder weather and efficiency gains dampened consumption.
But electricity demand jumped by around 3% more than double the pace of overall energy growth highlighting a structural shift in how energy is being used.
Solar led the way
For the first time on record solar PV was the single largest contributor to global energy supply growth accounting for more than 25% of the increase ahead of natural gas at 17%.
Solar generation increased by 600 terawatt hours the largest ever annual gain for any technology while battery storage added 110GW of capacity outpacing gas.
Renewables and nuclear together met nearly 60% of new demand with clean power generation outpacing the rise in electricity use. Nuclear in particular showed renewed momentum, with more than 12GW of new reactors starting construction.
The numbers point to a system in transition, as electricity demand is being driven by growth in data centres, electric vehicles and industrial electrification while supply is increasingly met by low carbon sources.
Less fossil fuels
Oil demand growth continued to slow rising by just 0.7% as EV uptake accelerates. More than 20 million electric cars were sold in 2025 accounting for around one in four new vehicles globally cutting into demand for road fuels.
Coal trends were mixed. Use declined in China as renewables displaced generation but rose in the US, where higher gas prices drove switching back to coal. Overall growth in coal demand slowed.
Emissions drop
Global energy related CO2 emissions rose by just 0.4% with China recording a decline and India seeing flat emissions for the first time in decades outside the pandemic.
In contrast advanced economies saw emissions rise by 0.5% driven by colder weather and higher fossil fuel use.
Fatih Birol Executive Director of the IEA said: “Electricity consumption is growing much faster than overall energy demand… solar PV accounted for over a quarter of all growth more than any other source.”
He added: “Countries that prioritise resilience and diversification will be best placed to manage volatility and deliver secure and affordable energy.”
Taken together the data shows a clear direction. Energy demand is still rising but the centre of gravity is shifting fast towards electricity and clean supply, with solar now leading the charge.
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