IEA: Global power demand is surging – and renewables are passing coal

The International Energy Agency has announced that global electricity demand is on the rise, but a major shift is underway: renewables are projected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity this year. This milestone reflects the accelerating deployment of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources, even as power consumption grows across industries and households.

For Saudi car buyers, this global trend holds direct implications. As the Kingdom pushes forward with its Vision 2030 goals, including expanding renewable energy capacity, the electricity powering future electric vehicles will become cleaner. That reduces the total environmental footprint of EVs compared to conventional cars running on petrol, making the electric option increasingly attractive in the local market.

In Saudi Arabia, electric vehicles are still a relatively new segment, with models like the Lucid Air, Tesla Model 3, and the upcoming Saudi-made Ceer EV competing for attention. As renewables gain share in the national grid, the argument for going electric strengthens, but shoppers should consider more than just fuel source. Charging infrastructure is still developing, and the reliability of the grid during peak summer months remains a practical concern.

Those considering an EV should watch for announcements from Saudi authorities on charging station rollouts and any new incentives for electric car ownership. While the global shift to renewables is a positive sign for the long-term sustainability of EVs, local adoption will depend on how quickly the supporting ecosystem catches up. For now, the IEA’s news underscores that the energy landscape is changing—and that change is coming to Saudi roads as well.