Global renewable energy capacity reached an all-time high in 2025, surging to 5,149 gigawatts (GW) with the addition of 692 GW, according to the latest International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report. Renewables dominated new capacity expansion, accounting for 85.6% of the total, signaling a continued shift away from fossil fuels amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
IRENA emphasizes that renewable energy offers nations a locally sourced, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable solution to strengthen energy security and resilience. Director-General Francesco La Camera highlighted that countries investing in clean energy are better shielded from global shocks, enjoy improved competitiveness, and reduce their exposure to volatile fuel markets.
Solar energy led the expansion, contributing 511 GW—about 75% of all renewable additions—driven mainly by solar photovoltaics. Wind energy followed with 159 GW, with both technologies representing nearly 97% of new renewable capacity in 2025. Other sources such as bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal saw modest growth, highlighting the central role of solar and wind in the global clean energy transition.
Africa saw its highest-ever annual growth in renewable energy, rising 15.9% with an additional 11.3 GW, led by countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. However, the continent’s share of global renewable capacity remains small, reflecting structural challenges such as limited financing, weak infrastructure, and inconsistent energy policies. The report also notes that off-grid solutions, mostly solar, added 1.7 GW globally—critical for improving energy access in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria, despite its vast renewable potential, continues to rely heavily on gas-fired power and struggles with chronic electricity shortages. Plans to ban solar imports have raised concerns about the country’s slow energy transition, underscoring the need for accelerated deployment of solar and off-grid solutions to improve energy access, particularly in rural communities. As Africa pushes forward, the report reinforces that scaling renewable energy is key to the continent’s economic growth, energy security, and climate resilience.
source: The guardian