The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts in its latest report that global electricity demand could rise by around 40 percent by 2035. Key drivers include the electrification of transport, data centers, air conditioning, and industrial applications. At the same time, the agency warns that supply chains for critical minerals and infrastructure components are becoming increasingly fragile and urgently need diversification.
The report states: »Electricity is at the heart of modern economies, and electricity demand grows much faster than overall energy use in all scenarios.«
For companies investing in energy transition projects, the focus must extend beyond renewable generation to include grids, storage, flexibility solutions, and resilient supply chains. Electricity is no longer merely a consumption factor – it is evolving into a strategic asset.
Germany and Europe face particular challenges: although electricity consumption is rising more slowly here than globally, prices for power and grid capacity are already among the highest worldwide. Companies with high energy intensity – such as manufacturers, data center operators, or e-mobility production sites – must actively manage their energy security. This includes developing alternative procurement routes, autonomous generation capacities, or long-term supply contracts.
The IEA’s outlook underscores a fundamental shift: in the era of the energy transition, the debate is no longer just about renewables – it’s about system resilience, technology integration, and value creation layers. For decision-makers, this is a call to action: energy can no longer be viewed purely as a cost factor – it has become a core driver of production and competitiveness.
SK
