Global renewable energy capacity saw its largest expansion ever in 2025, with solar and wind power driving the vast majority of new additions. Solar power alone set a massive new record for annual growth, significantly outpacing other technologies, according to the authors of the newly released report.
“Solar power alone accounted for nearly three-quarters of renewable additions, with a record 510 GW added during the year; while 159 GW of wind energy was added.”
The figures show that the shift toward green energy is accelerating rapidly. In just one year, the world added enough solar power to represent about 75% of all new renewable projects. Wind power also grew steadily, helping clean energy reach a milestone where it now makes up nearly half of all power plants currently operating around the globe.
The report “Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026” was published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. Released in 2026, the comprehensive statistical review was prepared by a dedicated team of authors including Julian Prime, Iman Abdulkadir Ahmed, and Dennis Akande. It provides a detailed global accounting of green energy deployment and capacity trends through the end of 2025.
