Renewables Hit 49% of Global Power Capacity in 2025

The world just crossed a threshold that seemed impossible a decade ago: renewable energy now accounts for 49% of global power capacity.

The International Renewable Energy Agency announced Wednesday that 2025 saw the largest annual increase in renewable capacity ever recorded. Countries added 692 gigawatts of clean power, a 15.5% jump from the previous year.

Solar energy led the charge, making up nearly three-quarters of all new renewable power with 510 gigawatts added in a single year. Wind power came in second, contributing 159 gigawatts to the global grid.

The numbers tell an even bigger story: renewables made up 85.6% of all new power capacity added worldwide in 2025. Francesco La Camera, the agency's Director-General, said this growth stems from renewable energy's "competitiveness and resilience."

China dominated the expansion, adding more renewable capacity than entire continents. Together with the United States and European Union, these powerhouses accounted for nearly 80% of new installations globally.

Africa and the Middle East also hit records, though they started from smaller bases. Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt drove African growth, while Saudi Arabia pushed Middle Eastern expansion forward by nearly 29%.

The Bright Side

The renewable revolution arrived at exactly the right moment. A recent energy crisis sparked by Middle East conflicts disrupted oil markets, but countries with strong renewable infrastructure barely felt the impact.

Nations relying on local sun and wind power enjoyed energy independence while fossil fuel markets shook. The contrast showed how renewable energy shields countries from global supply shocks.

While renewables represent 49% of power capacity, they currently generate about 32% of actual electricity. That gap is closing as more projects come online and older fossil fuel plants retire.

Clean energy's momentum continues breaking records year after year, proving the world's energy transformation isn't just possible but already happening at remarkable speed.