Global electricity demand is expected to increase significantly in 2024 and 2025, marking the highest annual growth in the last two decades. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this increase is driven by various factors, including sustained economic activity and increased adoption of green technologies. This article explores the trends, implications and prospects of this major development.
Economic growth and use of green technologies
According to the IEA, global electricity demand is expected to increase by 4% in 2024, compared to 2.5% in 2023. This growth is fueled by strong economic activity and increased use of technologies such as electric vehicles and the heat pumps. Additionally, intense heat waves increase the use of air conditioning, contributing to this increased demand.
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Expansion of renewable energies
Renewable electricity sources are also expected to grow rapidly, with the share of global supply increasing from 30% in 2023 to 35% in 2025.photovoltaic solar energy is expected to meet about half of this growth, illustrating a major shift toward cleaner energy sources. Despite this progression, coal-fired electricity production remains stable, which could lead to a slight increase in CO2 emissions in 2024.
Economic and environmental implications
The increase in demand for electricity leads to economic implications considerable. Investments in energy infrastructure must keep pace to avoid potential shortages. Developing countries, in particular, face challenges in modernizing their electricity grids and integrating more renewable sources.
Environmental risks
Although the increase in renewable energy is a positive step forward, the stability of production from coal remains worrying. CO2 emissions are likely to increase in the short term, compromising international efforts to combat climate change. Keisuke Sadamori, director of energy markets at the IEA, emphasizes that “the share of clean energy must increase at a much faster rate to meet international climate goals.”
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Varied Perspectives
Expert opinions
Experts are divided on the prospects for this growth. Some, like IEA analysts, see an opportunity to transition to more sustainable energy systems, while others warn against logistical challenges and the high costs associated with this rapid transformation.
Criticisms and concerns
Critics point out that the persistent dependence on fossil fuels could cancel out the environmental gains made by renewable energy. Additionally, the ability of current power grids to handle this growing demand is uncertain, requiring substantial and costly upgrades.
Concrete examples
The European Union has managed to increase the share of wind and solar energy to 30% of its electricity production, surpassing fossil fuels for the first time. This success illustrates how public policies and targeted investments can catalyze the energy transition. However, countries like China and India, which still rely heavily on coal, need to step up efforts to adopt cleaner energy sources.
The expected increase in global electricity demand presents both major opportunities and challenges. The transition to renewable energy is on track, but it must accelerate to meet global climate goals. Governments, businesses and consumers must work together to overcome barriers and promote a sustainable energy And reliable.
Ultimately, effectively managing this growth will depend on the ability of global players to innovate and invest in resilient infrastructure. The future of global energy depends on decisions made today, aimed at balancing economic and environmental needs for long-term sustainable development.