IRENA Reports Global Renewable Capacity Hits 5,149 GW In 2025 s World Adds Record 692 GW

Global renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 after the world added 692 GW of new capacity, marking a 15.5% annual increase, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) newly released Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026. The report confirms that renewable power accounted for 85.6% of all new capacity added last year, while non-renewable sources continued to occupy a shrinking share of global installations.

The record growth comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are once again influencing global energy markets. Rising instability in the Middle East has intensified concerns about supply security and the volatility of fossil fuel prices. This environment has strengthened the case for renewable energy, which is increasingly relied upon to build more resilient national energy systems. As renewables are domestically available, cost-effective, and deployable at scale, they offer countries a way to reduce exposure to fluctuations in international fuel markets.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the findings show the sector’s ability to maintain strong momentum even in uncertain conditions. He noted that the steady rise of renewables reflects both market preference and the structural resilience of decentralised energy systems. According to La Camera, countries that have committed to the energy transition are experiencing fewer economic disruptions during crises, improving their energy security, competitiveness, and long-term stability.

Solar energy remained the dominant technology in 2025, contributing 511 GW of the new additions—about 75% of all renewable capacity growth. Wind energy followed with 159 GW, reinforcing its position as the second-largest driver of global renewable expansion. Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of all net renewable additions last year, supported by continued cost declines and rapid deployment. Bioenergy ranked third, adding 3.4 GW, representing a 2.3% annual increase.

Regional trends continue to show significant disparities. Asia remained the global leader in renewable additions, contributing 74.2% of all new capacity with 513.3 GW added, representing a growth rate of 21.6%. Africa recorded its highest annual increase, adding 11.3 GW—an expansion of 15.9%—driven largely by developments in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt. The Middle East also reported its strongest annual growth, increasing capacity by 28.9%, with Saudi Arabia leading the regional expansion.

In terms of total installed capacity, Asia remained far ahead with 2,891 GW of renewables by the end of 2025, followed by Europe with 934 GW. Central America and the Caribbean had the lowest total renewable capacity at 21 GW, highlighting the vulnerability of regions with limited renewable penetration and the urgent need for accelerated investment to improve energy security.

Technology-specific data further illustrates the global trend. Solar photovoltaics accounted for 510.3 GW of the 511.2 GW of total solar additions. Hydropower, excluding pumped storage, expanded by 18.4 GW—96% of which came from China—with additional contributions from Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Bhutan, Viet Nam, Canada, Austria, Indonesia and Nepal. Wind energy saw a 14% increase from the previous year, adding 158.7 GW, with China responsible for nearly three-quarters of this growth and India adding 6.3 GW. Bioenergy capacity rose by 3.4 GW, led by Japan’s 1.1 GW increase, followed by China with 0.8 GW and Brazil with 0.6 GW.

Geothermal energy grew modestly by 0.3 GW, with the Philippines and Indonesia each adding 0.1 GW, alongside smaller increments in Germany, Türkiye and Japan. Off-grid electricity systems, excluding Eurasia, Europe and North America, expanded by 1.7 GW, driven largely by 1.5 GW of solar additions, with bioenergy contributing 0.2 GW. Overall, the report underscores the accelerating global shift toward renewable energy. Despite geopolitical pressures and economic uncertainties, countries with strong clean energy strategies are proving more resilient, less vulnerable to external shocks and better positioned to meet future energy challenges.