Air Conditioners Drive Record Rise in Global Energy Demand: IEAParis, 24 Mar (ONA) —- Global energy demand grew at a record pace last year (2024),
driven largely by soaring electricity consumption from air
conditioners and other power-hungry devices, the International Energy
Agency (IEA) reported today.
Electricity demand rose 4.3% compared to 2023 – nearly double the
average growth rate of the past decade, according to the Paris-based
agency.
Extreme heat in India and China fuelled much of the surge, with air
conditioning identified as a major contributor to the 1,100
terawatt-hour jump in electricity use. Emerging and developing
economies accounted for more than 80% of the overall rise in energy
demand.
Renewable energy and natural gas met most of the additional demand,
while coal and oil use also grew, though more slowly than in previous
years.
Nuclear power saw a modest revival, with six new reactors completed
globally – including two in China – pushing newly installed capacity
up by a third year-on-year, the IEA said.
—- Ends/Khalid