Global energy demand grew 1.3% in 2025, slower than 2024’s 2% growth, driven by solar PV (meeting >25% of demand growth) and natural gas (17%). Low-emission sources contributed 60% of growth. Fossil fuel demand rose slower: coal +0.4%, oil +0.65 mb/d, gas +1%. China’s growth slowed to 1.7%, US demand accelerated >2%. CO₂ emissions rose 0.4% to a record 38 Gt, with weather and hydropower shortfalls pushing up emissions by 90 Mt. Advanced economies’ emissions rose 0.5%, while China’s fell 0.5% and India’s dropped for the first time in normal conditions. Solar PV surged 600 TWh, cutting coal generation. The energy transition continues, with renewables and nuclear exceeding global electricity growth.
