Global renewable power capacity reached 5149GW in 2025 after a record 692GW increase, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (‘IRENA’).
IRENA said the expansion represented a 15.5% annual increase, with renewables accounting for 85.6% of total capacity additions.
The agency added that solar energy led growth with 511GW of additions, followed by wind with 159GW, together making up 96.8% of new capacity.
Asia contributed 513.3GW of new capacity, representing 74.2% of global additions, while Africa recorded a 15.9% rise and the Middle East saw growth of 28.9%.
Total renewable capacity reached 2891GW in Asia and 934GW in Europe, while Central America and the Caribbean recorded 21GW.
Bioenergy capacity rose by 3.4GW, geothermal increased by 0.3GW, and renewable hydropower added 18.4GW.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA.
“A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”