IEA: Global Electricity Demand to Rise 3.3% in 2025
Why in the news
The International Energy Agency’s Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025 projected faster growth in world power demand, with India and China driving most of the increase.
Key facts
- Global demand is projected to rise 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, against a 2.6% average for 2015-2023.
- India and China will make up 60% of the growth through 2026; India’s own demand grows 4% (2025) and 6.6% (2026).
- Solar and wind should pass coal generation by 2025 or 2026, with their share rising from 15% in 2024 to 20% by 2026.
- Coal’s share of generation is set to fall below 33% for the first time in a century.
- Nuclear output is projected to hit record levels, growing 2% over 2025-2026.
| Source | Capacity (GW) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal | 242.04 | 49.92% |
| Renewable | 184.62 | 38.08% |
| Large hydro | 49.38 | 10.19% |
| Nuclear | 8.78 | 1.81% |
About the IEA and India’s energy mix
- The International Energy Agency was founded in 1974 in Paris; India has been an Associate member since 2017.
- In June 2025 India ranked 4th in renewable capacity and wind power, and 3rd in solar power capacity.
Exam angle
- Know the 3.3% and 3.7% figures and India’s 6.6% for 2026.
- Table values are June 2025 shares of installed capacity; renewables at 38.08% and non-fossil sources at 50.08%.
- IEA facts: 1974, Paris, India an Associate member since 2017.