Global renewable energy capacity rose significantly in 2025, reaching 5,149 gigawatts (GW) after an addition of 692 GW, representing a 15.5% annual increase, a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency has revealed.
According to the report, Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026, renewable energy dominated global power expansion, accounting for 85.6% of total capacity additions, while non-renewable sources continued to make up a smaller share.
The findings come at a time when geopolitical tensions are once again placing energy security in the global spotlight. Escalating tensions in the Middle East are raising concerns about supply disruptions and fossil fuel price volatility, prompting increased attention on renewable energy as a more stable alternative.
The report notes that renewable energy sources, being locally available, relatively low-cost, and quickly deployable, offer countries an opportunity to reduce their dependence on international fuel markets and build more resilient energy systems.
Commenting on the findings, Director-General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera, said renewable energy continues to demonstrate resilience despite global uncertainty.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion. This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity,” he said.
He added that more decentralised energy systems, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, are structurally more resilient. According to him, countries that have invested in the energy transition are experiencing less economic impact from current global challenges while improving energy security, resilience, and competitiveness.
The report shows that solar and wind energy led global renewable expansion in 2025. Solar energy accounted for 511 GW, representing approximately 75% of total renewable additions, while wind energy followed with 159 GW. Together, the two sources contributed 96.8% of all net renewable capacity added during the year, reflecting significant cost reductions in these technologies. Bioenergy recorded the third-highest growth, increasing by 2.3% and adding 3.4 GW to total renewable capacity.
Despite the overall growth, the report highlights persistent disparities among regions. Asia maintained its leading position, contributing 74.2% of all new renewable capacity, with 513.3 GW added, representing a growth rate of 21.6%. Africa recorded its highest-ever increase in renewable capacity, rising by 15.9% or 11.3 GW, driven by countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. The Middle East also recorded its highest annual growth, expanding by 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia.
In terms of total installed capacity, Asia remained the largest contributor globally, with 2,891 GW, followed by Europe with 934 GW. Central America and the Caribbean recorded the lowest renewable energy capacity at 21 GW in 2025.
The report indicates that this imbalance exposes countries with low renewable capacity to greater vulnerability and underscores the need for increased investment to strengthen energy security.
A breakdown of technologies shows that solar photovoltaics accounted for 510.3 GW out of the 511.2 GW total solar additions in 2025. Renewable hydropower, excluding pumped storage, added 18.4 GW, with 96% of the increase coming from China. Other countries including Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Bhutan, Viet Nam, Canada, Austria, Indonesia, and Nepal each contributed more than 0.5 GW.
Wind energy capacity grew by 14% compared to 2024, with a record addition of 158.7 GW. China accounted for nearly three-quarters of this growth, adding 119.4 GW, while India contributed 6.3 GW.
Bioenergy capacity increased by 3.4 GW, led by Japan, which added 1.1 GW, more than doubling its expansion from the previous year. China followed with 0.8 GW, while Brazil added 0.6 GW.
Geothermal energy recorded a modest growth rate of 1.7%, with an addition of 0.3 GW in 2025. The Philippines and Indonesia each contributed 0.1 GW, followed by Germany, Türkiye, and Japan.
Off-grid electricity capacity, excluding Eurasia, Europe, and North America, expanded by 1.7 GW, largely driven by solar energy, which contributed 1.5 GW, while bioenergy sources added 0.2 GW.
The report states that although renewable energy continues to expand rapidly, significant regional gaps remain, highlighting the urgent need for broader and more balanced global investment in clean energy.
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