- Global renewable capacity rose by 692 GW in 2025, marking a 15.5% annual increase.
- Renewables accounted for 85.6% of total capacity additions, led by solar and wind.
- Africa recorded a 15.9% increase, its highest annual growth to date.
Global renewable energy capacity reached a record 5149 GW in 2025, driven by strong additions of 692 GW, according to the latest Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The figures underline the accelerating shift toward domestic energy sources as countries respond to growing concerns over energy security and price volatility.
Renewables continued to dominate global capacity expansion, accounting for 85.6% of all additions during the year. Non-renewable sources made up a significantly smaller share, reinforcing the structural shift underway in global energy systems.
Image credit: IRENA
Rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have once again placed energy security at the centre of global policy discussions. Concerns over supply disruptions and fossil fuel price fluctuations are prompting countries to prioritise renewable energy deployment. As locally sourced and cost effective technologies, renewables are increasingly viewed as a strategic hedge against international market instability.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said renewable energy continues to demonstrate resilience amid global uncertainty. He noted that countries investing in the energy transition are experiencing reduced economic impacts while strengthening competitiveness and system reliability through more decentralised energy models.
Solar energy led capacity additions in 2025, contributing 511 GW, or about 75% of the total increase. Wind energy followed with 159 GW of new capacity. Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of all renewable additions, reflecting continued cost declines and strong market preference. Bioenergy ranked third, with capacity expanding by 3.4 GW, representing 2.3% annual growth.
Regional disparities remain pronounced. Asia maintained its leading position, contributing 74.2% of global additions, equivalent to 513.3 GW and a growth rate of 21.6%. Africa recorded its strongest expansion on record, increasing capacity by 11.3 GW or 15.9%, supported by growth in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt. The Middle East also posted significant gains, with capacity rising by 28.9%, driven primarily by Saudi Arabia.
In terms of total installed capacity, Asia leads with 2891 GW, followed by Europe with 934 GW. Central America and the Caribbean remain the smallest market, with just 21 GW of installed renewable capacity. The disparity highlights the vulnerability of regions with limited renewable penetration and underscores the urgency of scaling up deployment to enhance energy security.
Solar photovoltaics dominated technology growth, accounting for virtually all solar additions at 510.3 GW. Renewable hydropower expanded by 18.4 GW, with China responsible for 96% of new capacity. Wind capacity increased by 14% year on year, with China contributing nearly three quarters of the 158.7 GW added globally.
Bioenergy capacity growth was led by Japan, which added 1.1 GW, followed by China and Brazil. Geothermal energy expanded modestly by 0.3 GW, with contributions from the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Türkiye and Japan. Off grid renewable capacity grew by 1.7 GW, driven mainly by solar, further supporting electrification in underserved regions.
The continued expansion of renewable energy highlights its central role in strengthening energy security, improving resilience and supporting long term economic stability across global markets.
Link to the full report HERE
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
