The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released its Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 report, revealing a record-breaking 15% global increase in renewable energy capacity in 2024, totaling 582 GW—the highest annual addition to date. However, the report also highlights an alarming regional disparity in renewables deployment that threatens to slow progress toward global climate goals.
Asia Dominates Additions, Africa Lags Behind
Asia maintained its dominant position, accounting for a staggering 71% of new renewable capacity added in 2024. In contrast, Europe and North America contributed 12.3% and 7.8% respectively. Meanwhile, Africa, Eurasia, Central America, and the Caribbean combined contributed only 2.8%, with Africa alone seeing a modest 7.2% increase, despite its vast untapped potential and developmental needs.
Leadership Calls for Targeted Investment and Inclusive Growth
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized that while the renewables boom is transforming global energy systems and creating economic opportunities, the uneven distribution of benefits is a major concern.
“Countries attracting major investment in renewables are experiencing energy security, job creation, and industrial growth,” La Camera noted. “But to bridge the growing divide, we need targeted policies, international financing, and technology partnerships—especially in underinvested regions.”
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, echoed this urgency:
“The transition to renewables is inevitable, but its human and economic benefits are not yet equitably shared. To meet the global COP28 pledge to triple renewables by 2030, we must accelerate investment in vulnerable countries. The dividends—emissions reduction, job creation, and affordable energy—are well worth the effort.”
Falling Short of Global 2030 Targets
Despite the strong growth, the world remains off track to meet the 11.2 terawatts (TW) global renewable energy capacity target set for 2030. Based on current growth trends, capacity will reach only 10.3 TW, falling short by 0.9 TW. To close the gap, the global annual growth rate must accelerate to 16.6%—a significant leap from the 15% recorded in 2024.
Solar and Wind Continue to Lead
Solar and wind technologies remain at the forefront, accounting for 97.5% of all net additions. Solar power led the expansion with 453 GW, underlining its increasing cost-effectiveness and rapid scalability. Wind energy followed with 114 GW added globally.
This dominance underscores the strategic role of solar and wind in the global energy mix, contributing to improved energy security, economic competitiveness, and decarbonization. The report also notes that renewable sources now make up 46.2% of total installed capacity, rapidly catching up with fossil fuels at 47.3%.
Renewables’ Share in Electricity Generation Rises
The global shift is also evident in power generation. In 2023, renewable electricity generation increased by 5.6%, reaching 8,928 TWh, while non-renewables grew by just 1.2%. As a result, renewables accounted for nearly 30% of global electricity output by the end of 2023.
As the custodian agency for tracking global progress toward the 2030 renewable capacity target, IRENA emphasized that annual reporting and gap identification will be critical in the coming years. The data underscores not just the urgency to scale deployment but the importance of ensuring equitable access to financing and technology across all regions.
The 2025 statistics serve as both a milestone and a call to action—showcasing record-breaking progress while reminding stakeholders that achieving a just, inclusive, and accelerated energy transition will require collective effort and global solidarity.
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