2025 saw total renewable power capacity reach 5149 gigawatts (GW) after the addition of 692 GW, or a 15.5 per cent of annual increase, according to new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 also finds renewable energy dominates the total capacity expansion at 85.6 per cent share, while non-renewables continue to account for a smaller share of additions.

Geopolitical tensions are once again thrusting energy into the global spotlight.

Escalation in the Middle East raises fresh concerns over supply security and fossil fuel price volatility.

Against this backdrop, renewable energy is gaining attention to build more resilient systems that are less vulnerable to international shocks.

As renewables are homegrown, low-cost and can be deployed immediately, increasing their share in national energy systems can reduce exposure to international fuel markets.

Francesco La Camera, Irena Director-General, said, “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. A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”

In line with the previous year, solar energy led the increase, accounting for 511 GW or approximately 75 per cent share in the total renewables capacity addition.

Wind energy followed suit, adding 159 GW.

Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8 per cent of all net renewable additions last year, reflecting the biggest cost decrease among all renewable technologies.

 Bioenergy took the third place with 2.3 per cent annual growth, adding 3.4 GW to total renewable energy expansion.

The report also confirms, however, the persistent and significant disparities amongst countries and regions.

 Asia continued to lead with a 74.2 per cent contribution to all new renewable capacity; the 513.3 GW additions represent a growth rate of 21.6 per cent.

Africa recorded its highest capacity increase, rising by 15.9 per cent or adding 11.3 GW, driven by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt.

Another region that experienced its largest annual growth is the Middle East, which increased by 28.9 per cent, led by Saudi Arabia.

In terms of total global capacity, Asia unsurprisingly keeps its top position with 2 891 GW of total renewables capacity, followed by Europe which recorded 934 GW in total.

Central America and the Caribbean had the lowest renewables capacity with a total of 21 GW in 2025.

This disparity exposes the vulnerability of economies with low share of renewables, and underscores the urgent need to increase the share for their energy security.

Technology highlights:

Solar energy: solar photovoltaics accounted for 510.3 GW out of 511.2 GW of total solar power additions in 2025.

Renewable hydropower (excluding pumped hydro): 18.4 GW was added in 2025, with 96 per cent of the increase coming from China. Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Bhutan, Viet Nam, Canada, Austria, Indonesia and Nepal, respectively added more than 0.5 GW.

Wind energy: capacity grew by 14 per cent from 2024, with record additions of 158.7 GW in 2025. China accounted for nearly three-quarters of the expansion, adding 119.4 GW, while India saw an increase of 6.3 GW.

Bioenergy: capacity increased by 3.4 GW, led by Japan, which more than doubled its bioenergy capacity expansion from 2024, adding 1.1 GW in 2025. China followed with capacity additions of 0.8 GW and Brazil with 0.6 GW additions.

Geothermal energy: capacity grew at a similar rate to the previous year at 1.7 per cent, adding 0.3 GW in 2025. The Philippines and Indonesia each contributed 0.1 GW of the additions, followed by Germany, Türkiye and Japan.

Off-grid electricity (excluding Eurasia, Europe and North America): expanded by 1.7 GW, led by solar power with 1.5 GW. A broad range of bioenergy types added 0.2 GW to the total addition of off-grid capacity. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service