The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called for a significant acceleration in global electricity grid investments, warning that rapidly rising power demand could strain existing infrastructure.
According to the IEA’s Electricity 2026 report, the world has entered what the agency describes as the “Age of Electricity,” during which global electricity demand is expected to grow at least 2.5 times faster than overall energy demand through 2030. The surge is being driven by industrial activity, electric vehicles, air conditioning, data centers and the expanding use of artificial intelligence.
As a result, global electricity demand is projected to rise by an average of 3.5% annually through the end of the decade.
Demand Reawakens in Advanced Economies
While emerging economies continue to account for the bulk of demand growth, the report notes a renewed increase in electricity consumption across advanced economies after nearly 15 years of stagnation.
Renewables, Nuclear and Gas to Lead Supply Growth
To meet rising demand, electricity generation from renewable energy sources, nuclear power and natural gas is expected to play a central role, the IEA said.
Low-Emission Sources to Reach 50% of Global Power Generation
With continued expansion of low-emission technologies, renewables and nuclear energy are projected to account for 50% of global electricity generation by 2030, up from 42% today.
Grid Bottlenecks Delay 2,500 GW of Capacity
The IEA warned that electricity grids are becoming a major bottleneck amid rising demand and new generation capacity. Currently, projects totaling around 2,500 gigawatts — including renewable energy, storage facilities and data centers — are unable to come online due to delays in grid connection.
IEA: Grid Investments Must Rise by 50%
Commenting on the report, Keisuke Sadamori, Director of Energy Markets and Security at the IEA, said global grid investments must increase by 50% by 2030 to keep pace with growing electricity demand, stressing that enhancing system flexibility has become critical.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök