IEA Says World Has Entered The “Age Of Electricity”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has declared that the world has entered the “Age of Electricity,” highlighting a significant shift in global energy supply driven primarily by renewable sources. In its 2025 global energy report, the IEA revealed that solar photovoltaic (PV) technology was the largest contributor to growth in energy supply last year, accounting for over 25 percent of the increase. This marks the first time a modern renewable source has led global primary energy supply growth, surpassing natural gas, which contributed 17 percent. Overall, renewables and nuclear power together met nearly 60 percent of the rise in energy demand, with solar PV generation increasing by 600 terawatt-hours, the largest annual structural increase recorded for any electricity generation technology. The report emphasises the rapid pace of electrification worldwide, with electricity consumption growing faster than total energy demand. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol pointed to the expanding role of electricity in economies amid complex geopolitical and economic challenges, noting that countries focusing on resilience and diversification will be best positioned to ensure secure and affordable energy. Alongside solar, battery storage emerged as the fastest-growing technology in the power sector, with 110 gigawatts of new capacity added in 2025, outpacing natural gas capacity expansions. Nuclear power also saw renewed investment, with over 12 gigawatts of new reactors beginning construction, signalling a broader diversification of energy sources. The surge in solar power and battery storage is enabling a cleaner energy system capable of meeting rising electricity demand without increasing carbon emissions. Battery storage capacity has grown tenfold in five years, allowing solar energy to be stored and used beyond daylight hours, reducing reliance on fossil fuel backups. According to the IEA, renewable energy and green technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps have displaced around 7 percent of fossil fuel use in 2025, cutting carbon emissions by 8 percent compared to previous levels. This displacement of coal alone is equivalent to eliminating all of India’s coal consumption for the year, underscoring the scale of the transition. Supporting the IEA’s findings, the energy think tank Ember reported that clean power sources are now meeting all growth in global electricity demand, with solar leading new generation capacity additions. Battery costs have plummeted, dropping 45 percent in 2025, which has accelerated deployment and improved system flexibility. Despite this progress, Ember cautioned that the transition remains uneven, with fossil fuels still playing a significant role in many regions. Nonetheless, the trajectory towards clean electricity is becoming increasingly clear, driven by rapidly scaling technologies that promise to reshape the global energy landscape. The shift towards clean electricity comes at a critical moment as the global energy system faces heightened risks from geopolitical conflicts and fossil fuel supply disruptions. Recent crises, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, have exposed vulnerabilities in fossil fuel-dependent energy systems. The growing availability of abundant and affordable clean electricity is enabling the electrification of sectors such as transport, reducing overall fossil fuel dependence