Record-breaking annual growth in renewable power capacity in 2024 has been confirmed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its latest Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025 report. The report shows global renewable power capacity reaching 4,448 gigawatts (GW), following an unprecedented 585 GW increase during the year. This represented 92.5% of all power capacity added in 2024 and marked a historic 15.1% annual growth rate the highest on record.
Despite this milestone, IRENA warned that the pace of development still falls short of the global goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. To meet the 11.2 terawatts (TW) target, annual growth must now reach 16.6%. The report also pointed to persistent regional imbalances. Asia contributed the most to capacity additions, with China alone accounting for nearly 64% of global new capacity, while Central America and the Caribbean contributed just 3.2%.
The G7 and G20 nations made up 14.3% and 90.3% of total new renewable additions, respectively. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized that record-breaking annual growth in renewable power capacity in 2024 demonstrates the economic viability and scalability of renewables. However, he stressed the need for equitable global deployment and called on governments to use the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) to clearly define renewable targets.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the progress but emphasized the need to accelerate the energy transition. He stated that renewables are not only displacing fossil fuels but also generating jobs, reducing energy costs, and improving public health. He called for a fairer transition that allows all countries to fully benefit from clean, affordable energy. Technological trends underline the dominance of solar and wind power in driving growth.
These two sources made up 96.6% of total renewable additions in 2024. Solar energy expanded by 32.2% to reach 1,865 GW, led by China’s 278 GW contribution and followed by India with 24.5 GW. Wind capacity grew to 1,133 GW, with the majority of additions coming from China and the United States. Other renewable technologies also showed positive momentum. Hydropower capacity climbed to 1,283 GW, with notable contributions from Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
Bioenergy increased by 4.6 GW, largely due to growth in China and France. Geothermal power rose slightly by 0.4 GW, and off-grid solar capacity almost tripled, particularly in developing regions. IRENA continues to assist member countries in refining energy strategies within the framework of NDCs 3.0. With the goal of aligning with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 agenda, the agency underscores the importance of setting measurable renewable capacity targets to sustain momentum and close the gap in the years ahead. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.