Technology Update

IRENA Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2025

Link to Original Publication

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published the “Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025″ report. This provides important data for understanding the pace of grid decarbonization across the world. It is a very detailed summary, in tabulated numbers, of the installed renewable power capacity across all countries, differentiated by renewable energy source (hydro, solar, on- and off-shore wind, biofuels, etc.)

A few highlights:

By the end of 2024, renewables accounted for 4.5 GW or 46% of global installed power capacity
2024 saw the largest increase in renewable energy capacity to date – with the addition of 585 gigawatts (GW) of renewables.
In 2024, the global renewable capacity grew by 15%, and accounted for 92.5% of overall power additions.

Regional Highlights (left picture)

China, US and Europe account for 84% of new renewable capacity added in 2024, pointing to the regional disparity.
China alone accounts for a third of the global hydropower, and half of solar and wind capacity, each.

Renewable Energy Capacity by Source (left picture)

Solar and Wind account for ~ 66% of total renewable capacity
China has a major share in each of the categories, accounting for 31% of global hydropower, nearly half of wind and solar power each, and one fifth of bioenergy.