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India Sees Second-Highest Energy Demand Growth in 2024 Amid Global Surge

India recorded the second-highest energy demand growth in 2024, surpassing all advanced economies combined, according to the IEA's Global Energy Review 2025. The surge was driven by extreme temperatures, industrial expansion, data centers, and increased electrification in transport. Global energy demand rose 2.2%, exceeding the previous decade’s average of 1.3%, with emerging markets accounting for 80% of the growth.

Electricity consumption globally increased by 1,080 TWh, the highest ever outside of post-recession recovery periods. India’s consumption growth normalized compared to 2023, while Southeast Asia saw a 7% increase. The rise was fueled by cooling needs, EV adoption, and data center expansion.

Renewable energy saw record growth, contributing 40% of total global electricity generation for the first time. Solar energy led the expansion, growing by 480 TWh, followed by wind (180 TWh) and hydro (190 TWh). India’s renewable share in power generation reached 20%, while China and the EU achieved 35% and 50%, respectively.

Global EV sales grew over 25%, surpassing 1.7 crore units, with China leading at 40% growth. The U.S. market expanded by 10%, while the EU saw a 6?cline due to subsidy cuts in Germany.

The world added 700 GW of new renewable capacity, with solar accounting for three-quarters of the growth. This marks the 22nd consecutive year of record renewable expansion, reinforcing the shift towards clean energy.