Global RE capacity hits record 5,149 GW in 2025 amidst geopolitical uncertainty

Asia led global expansion with 74.2% of new capacity added.

Global renewable energy capacity surged to 5,149 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, following a record 692 GW of new additions, marking a 15.5% year-on-year increase, according to the latest Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Renewables accounted for 85.6% of all global power capacity additions, further widening their dominance over non-renewable sources in new installations worldwide.

The findings come as rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, heighten concerns over energy supply security and fossil fuel price volatility.

IRENA noted that renewable energy is increasingly viewed as a stabilizing force due to its domestic availability, lower cost profile, and rapid deployability, reducing reliance on global fuel markets.

Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General, said that renewable expansion remains resilient even in uncertain conditions, highlighting that more decentralised energy systems improve economic and energy security outcomes for countries investing in the transition. “Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”

Solar energy remained the leading driver of growth, contributing 511 GW, or about 75% of all renewable additions, with nearly all of it coming from solar photovoltaics.

Wind energy followed with 158.7 GW in new capacity, bringing total wind expansion growth to 14% year-on-year. Combined, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of global renewable capacity additions in 2025, reflecting continued cost declines and rapid deployment advantages.

Bioenergy contributed a smaller share, adding 3.4 GW globally.

Asia continued to dominate global renewable expansion, contributing 74.2% of all new capacity, with 513.3 GW added in 2025. Europe followed with a total renewable capacity of 934 GW.

Africa recorded its fastest growth to date, expanding by 15.9% (11.3 GW), led by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. The Middle East also posted strong growth at 28.9%, driven primarily by Saudi Arabia.

At the lower end, Central America and the Caribbean held just 21 GW of total renewable capacity, underscoring persistent global inequalities in energy transition progress.

Irena said that whilst renewable energy growth is accelerating rapidly and reshaping global power systems, significant regional disparities remain, highlighting the need for broader investment to ensure energy security and equitable access to clean power worldwide.