BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 20. Artificial
intelligence, air conditioners, and electric vehicles are emerging
as the key new drivers of global electricity demand, International
Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said during
panel discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos,
Trend
reports.
“We are entering the age of electricity. Electricity demand is
growing almost three times faster than total energy demand,” Birol
said. “In addition to the traditional drivers, three new factors
are pushing consumption: first, artificial intelligence; second,
air conditioners, which are a major driver worldwide; and third,
electric vehicles. Today, one in four cars sold globally is
electric. Meeting this demand will rely primarily on renewables,
natural gas, and nuclear power.”
Birol also highlighted the growing risks to energy security.
“Energy security should be treated on par with national security.
Many countries aim to generate as much of their own energy as
possible, boosting nuclear, renewable, or other domestic sources.
When entering energy deals and contracts, they now consider not
only price but also the reliability of their partners over the long
term.”
He recalled that in the 1970s, oil accounted for more than half
of global energy consumption; today, its share is below 30%.
“People are switching from oil to other sources wherever possible.
The consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine illustrate this
shift: Europe suffered as a consumer, but Russia also lost its
largest client. Our data show that Russian oil and gas revenues
have declined by 30%. There are no obvious winners in this energy
crisis. Energy demand is growing, but while oil and gas will remain
part of the mix for years, electricity demand is rising most
sharply and impressively,” Birol said.
