Beyond AI: The real drivers of rising electricity demand in 2025

Global electricity demand is rising at an unprecedented rate. While AI and data centers often dominate the conversation, they’re only part of the equation. The real story behind rising electricity consumption in 2025 involves industrial expansion, climate adaptation, and economic growth in developing nations.

Let’s break down the key trends shaping the global electricity landscape and what they mean for the future of energy.

1. Emerging economies are driving the surge

Between now and 2027, a staggering 85% of electricity demand growth is expected to come from developing and emerging economies. Leading this growth are China, India, and Southeast Asia, which are rapidly expanding their industrial and consumer energy use.

China’s growing energy appetite

• In 2024, China used 300 terawatt-hours of electricity just to manufacture solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles—equivalent to Italy’s total annual energy consumption.

• Heavy industry, increased use of air-conditioning, and the country’s booming EV market are major contributors to demand growth.

India & Southeast Asia are catching up

• Economic expansion is fueling demand as more homes and businesses gain access to reliable electricity.

• Rising middle-class incomes mean more air-conditioners, appliances, and electric vehicles.

• Manufacturing and industrialization are pushing electricity consumption even higher.

The energy gap in Africa

While demand is growing globally, 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity. Expanding infrastructure in these regions will further increase global energy demand in the coming years.

2. AI & data centers are not the biggest factor—Yet

Despite the hype around AI and data centers consuming massive amounts of power, their impact is still relatively small on a global scale.

Data centers account for less than 10% of growth 

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers are expected to contribute to less than 10% of the world’s electricity demand growth through 2030. Other factors like electric vehicles, air-conditioning, and industrial expansion will have a much larger impact.

Data centers are changing electricity demand in developed economies

• In the U.S. and Europe, where electricity demand has been stagnant for 15 years, data centers are now reversing that trend.

• The top 10 U.S. states hosting the most data center growth saw a 10% increase in electricity demand from 2019 to 2023. In contrast, the other 40 states saw a 3% decline.

The uncertainty of AI’s future impact

• The future power consumption of AI remains unpredictable. Some forecasts predict a sharp increase in demand, while others suggest energy efficiency improvements will offset the rise.

• China’s data center energy demand is expected to double by 2027, but these projections remain uncertain.

3. The Climate Factor – Energy growth is not always bad

As electricity consumption increases, many fear a rise in carbon emissions. However, the impact on climate change is more complex than it seems.

More electricity use can reduce emissions

• The adoption of electric heat pumps, EVs, and clean energy-powered manufacturing can cut overall emissions even as electricity demand rises.

• For example, switching from natural gas heating to electric heat pumps reduces fossil fuel dependence despite increasing electricity consumption.

Renewables & nuclear can keep up—but only if done right

• The rapid expansion of solar energy alone is expected to supply half of the demand growth through 2027.

• Nuclear power is making a comeback, with new reactors in China, India, and Japan, as well as a recovery in France’s nuclear industry.

• However, adding renewables isn’t enough. For fossil fuel plants to shut down, clean energy needs to grow beyond just covering new demand—it must replace existing coal and gas plants.

The challenge: scaling clean energy fast enough

• While renewables are expanding, the pace may not be fast enough to meet global decarbonization targets.

• Governments and industries must prioritize grid modernization, energy storage, and policy shifts to ensure electricity growth aligns with net-zero goals.

Key takeaways

Electricity demand is skyrocketing, but the biggest drivers are industry, economic growth, and climate adaptation—not just AI. Emerging economies will shape the global energy landscape, with China leading the charge. Renewables and nuclear power must scale aggressively to ensure electricity demand growth doesn’t lead to higher carbon emissions.