World Power Demand to Rise Almost a Third by 2035

Global Power Demand Is Surging Toward 2035

Many of us turn on the air conditioning or heating or lights without a second thought – and that quiet buzz of modern life — our devices, data centers, and climate control — all draws on an energy system now under growing strain as our need for energy globally increases from factors like developing nations using air conditioning to of course the ever accelerating demand for power from AI.

According to Rystad Energy, global power demand is set to rise by almost one-third by 2035 which is an enormous leap, even for an industry that’s built on growth. As we examine the impact of electric vehicles on our energy systems, the challenges become more apparent.

Today, the world consumes roughly 28,000 terawatt-hours of electricity each year. What’s driving that figure higher isn’t just population growth, but also the electrification of everything from transportation to home heating. Understanding this future demand isn’t simply a matter of economics — it’s a matter of climate strategy and survival. Rystad’s new projections serve as a wake-up call: as the world’s appetite for energy expands, how we produce and manage that power will define the next chapter of sustainability.

Why Energy Demand Keeps Climbing

Energy demand is rising for the same reasons that daily life feels busier, faster, and more plugged in. More people are moving to cities — megacities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America continue to grow at staggering rates. As billions gain access to electricity for the first time, the baseline for global energy use shifts upward.

Then there’s economic development. Emerging markets are industrializing, improving living standards, and expanding manufacturing, all of which require reliable power. Meanwhile, our love affair with technology adds another layer. Data centers powering artificial intelligence and streaming services now use more electricity than entire countries once did (in fact the projected use of energy by AI will soon be greater than that of India). Add to that a global pivot to electric vehicles, and you begin to see why energy charts look more like rocket trajectories than steady lines. The role of sustainable living technologies in moderating this demand cannot be overstated.

Where Demand Will Grow Fastest

Not all regions will experience this surge equally. Asia — particularly China, India, and Southeast Asia — will remain the epicenter of new power demand. Africa, too, is emerging as a key growth region, with rapid urbanization and economic development driving electricity consumption.

By contrast, demand in developed economies like the U.S., the U.K., and much of Europe is growing more modestly. Efficiency improvements, aging populations, and stronger climate policies are keeping consumption in check. But even in these regions, the growing fleet of EVs and electrified heating systems ensures that total demand won’t stay flat for long. Insights from sustainable software development practices could help optimize energy use.

Rebuilding the World’s Energy Infrastructure

The Environmental Stakes

Expanding electricity generation sounds like progress — and it is, especially for communities gaining access for the first time. But producing that power sustainably is the real challenge. If the world relies too heavily on coal or natural gas to meet future demand, carbon emissions will rise sharply, pushing climate targets out of reach.

The encouraging news is that renewables are no longer the alternative — they’re becoming the default. Solar and wind are now among the cheapest sources of new power, and investment in green energy is outpacing fossil fuels. Still, increased generation means more materials, more land use, and more environmental decision-making to get right. That’s why efficiency — from appliances to industrial processes — remains an unsung climate hero.

Policy and the Power of Regulation

Governments have enormous influence over what kind of power dominates the grid. Strong policy can accelerate the shift toward renewables — think of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act or the U.K.’s clean power targets for 2035. These frameworks send clear signals to investors and builders that the future is electric, and that it should be cleanly powered.

International cooperation also plays a role. Global agreements on technology sharing, carbon pricing, and grid interconnection can help balance supply and demand more efficiently. The more harmonized the world’s policies become, the faster the transition can move.

Innovation Lighting the Way

When it comes to powering the future, innovation may be our greatest renewable resource. Breakthroughs in energy storage are already transforming how solar and wind can be used around the clock. Hydrogen — long talked about, now seriously advancing — offers new options for heavy industry and long-range transport. And even nuclear fusion, once confined to physics textbooks, is gaining momentum as both governments and startups chase cleaner baseload power.

At the same time, decentralized grids, peer-to-peer energy trading, and AI-driven efficiency systems are reshaping how electricity is managed. Every one of these developments adds a layer of resilience and flexibility that will be needed as global demand surges.

Looking Ahead to 2035 and Beyond

Rystad Energy’s forecast of a one-third rise in global power demand isn’t simply a statistic — it’s a narrative about humanity’s progress and priorities. Meeting that demand responsibly will require equal parts ingenuity and determination. The transition to clean, abundant, and accessible electricity won’t be easy, but it’s already underway.

As countries, companies, and communities rethink their energy landscapes, one truth becomes clear: the greener path forward isn’t just a moral choice; it’s a practical one. The world’s growing appetite for electricity can coexist with a sustainable planet — if we keep innovation and cooperation at the heart of the story.

FAQs

1. What does Rystad Energy predict about global power demand by 2035?
Rystad Energy forecasts that global electricity demand will rise by nearly one-third by 2035, driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electrification across sectors like transport, manufacturing, and residential energy use.

2. What factors are contributing to the rise in global power demand?
The main drivers include economic growth in developing nations, rapid adoption of electric vehicles, expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure, and the global transition toward renewable energy systems that require greater electricity usage.

3. How will renewable energy sources meet this growing demand?
According to Rystad, renewables such as solar and wind are expected to supply a significant portion of the new demand, supported by advancements in battery storage and grid infrastructure to balance intermittent generation.

4. Which regions are expected to see the fastest growth in power consumption?
Emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are expected to experience the most rapid growth, while demand in developed nations will increase more gradually due to energy efficiency improvements.

5. What are the implications of this demand increase for global energy policy?
The rise in power demand highlights the need for accelerated investments in clean energy, grid modernization, and sustainable energy policies to ensure reliable, affordable, and low-carbon electricity for the future.

This article is for informational purposes only.
Reference: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-30/world-power-demand-to-rise-almost-a-third-by-2035-rystad-says