In 2018 global energy demand increased by 2.3%

Energy demand worldwide grew by 2.3% in 2018, representing the fastest growth during the last 10 year. According to the International Energy Asociation (IEA) this expansion has been supported by an exceptional performance driven by a robust global economy and stronger heating and cooling needs in some regions. Together, China, the United States, and India accounted for nearly 70% of the rise in energy demand around the world.

Natural gas represents the biggest gains accounting for 45% of the rise in energy consumption. The demand of Natural Gas has been especially strong in USA and China. Furthermore, demand for all fuels increased, with fossil fuels meeting about 70% of the growth for the second year running. Solar and wind generation grew at double-digit pace, with solar alone increasing by 31%.

Still, that was not fast enough to meet higher electricity demand around the world that also drove up coal use. As a result, global energy-related CO2 emissions rose by 1.7% to 33 Gigatonnes (Gt) in 2018 (these findings are part of the International Energy Agency’s latest assessment of global energy consumption and energy-related CO2 emissions for 2018). 

Electricity demand grew by 4% in 2018 to more than 23 000 TWh. Renewables were a major contributor to this power generation growth, accounting for nearly 50% of electricity demand growth. China is the leader in the expansion of renewables, both for wind and solar, followed by Europe and the United States.

According to Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director:

“We have seen an extraordinary increase in global energy demand in 2018, growing at its fastest pace this decade. Last year can also be considered another golden year for gas, which accounted for almost half the growth in global energy demand. But despite major growth in renewables, global emissions are still rising, demonstrating once again that more urgent action is needed on all fronts — developing all clean energy solutions, curbing emissions, improving efficiency, and spurring investments and innovation, including in carbon capture, utilization and storage.”