The Whole World Is Going To Use a Lot More Electricity, IEA Says

Electricity demand is set to increase sharply in the coming years as people around the world use more power to run air conditioners, industry and a growing fleet of data centers. From a report: Over the next three years, global electricity consumption is set to rise by an 'unprecedented' 3,500 terawatt hours, according to a report by the International Energy Agency. That's an addition each year of more than Japan's annual electricity consumption.

The roughly 4% annual growth in that period is the fastest such rate in years, underscoring the growing importance of electricity to the world's overall energy needs. 'The acceleration of global electricity demand highlights the significant changes taking place in energy systems around the world and the approach of a new Age of Electricity,' Keisuke Sadamori, IEA's director of energy markets and security, said in a statement. 'But it also presents evolving challenges for governments in ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supply.'

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