Charted: Future Electricity Usage by Country

Charted: Future Electricity Usage by Country

As global electrification accelerates, electricity demand in major economies is set to surge, driving a parallel rise in demand for copper, the metal that powers the modern energy grid.

This graphic, sponsored by BHP, utilizes data from Ember, the World Bank, and the Lowy Institute to visualize the projected growth in electricity consumption and GDP per capita across five major economies between 2023 and 2035.

Powering the Future

Together, these five economies are projected to increase their electricity consumption by nearly 2 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) by 2035.

• China, already the world’s largest electricity consumer, is expected to grow from 9,443 TWh to 9,956 TWh.
• The U.S. will see demand rise from 4,273 TWh to 4,401 TWh—an increase of 128 TWh, enough to charge more than 2 billion Tesla Model 3s.
• India’s consumption will jump from 1,957 TWh to 2,385 TWh, narrowing the gap with advanced economies.

• Indonesia’s electricity use will double, climbing from 351 TWh to 711 TWh.

Growth in GDP per capita is one of the most significant contributors to the projected increase in electricity consumption. As economies grow, inhabitants gain the ability to purchase technologies that consume more electricity.

The Copper Connection

Copper’s unmatched electrical conductivity makes it the metal of choice for virtually every part of the power system. From high-voltage transmission lines to the wiring in homes and electric vehicles, copper is essential for transporting electricity.

As countries expand their grids and invest in clean energy, demand for copper is expected to climb sharply.

Renewable technologies like wind and solar require up to five times more copper than traditional power sources, while electric vehicles use up to four times more copper than internal combustion engines.

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