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of new developments, creating demand for EPC contractors and OEMs, especially those with regional experience and existing agreements with national oil companies. IEA: Solar overtakes all energy sources in a major global firstThe world%u2019s energy demand increased more slowly last year against a complex economic and geopolitical backdrop, but electricity use continued to rise much faster than overall demand, with solar PV becoming the largest contributor to growth in global energy supply for the first time, according to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report.The latest edition of the IEA%u2019s %u201cGlobal Energy Review%u201d provides a comprehensive global assessment of trends across the energy sector in 2025. Based on the latest data, it covers energy demand, electricity generation and use, energy technology deployment, and energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.The report shows that overall global energy demand growth slowed to 1.3% in 2025, slightly below the previous decade%u2019s average of 1.4% and significantly lower than in 2024. The main reasons for this slowdown were lower global economic growth, less extreme temperatures in some regions, and rapid uptake of more efficient technologies.At the same time, global electricity demand increased by around 3% %u2014 well over twice the rate of overall energy demand growth. Although electricity demand growth was slower than in 2024, reflecting factors such as lower cooling demand in India and Southeast Asia amid less severe heatwaves, it remained above the average of the past decade. Electricity demand growth was driven by multiple sectors resources Edited by: Michalis PsallisCredit: EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELOMay 2026 315