In 2025, the world added a record-breaking 692 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, representing a 15.5% increase in the global stock of green power. According to the authors of the newly released report, these additions meant that renewables accounted for 49% of all global installed power capacity by the end of that year.
The report states that “2025 saw the largest increase in renewable energy capacity to date – with the addition of 692 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity – expanding the stock of renewable power by 15.5%.” It further notes that “by the end of 2025, renewables accounted for 49% of global installed power capacity.”
This record-breaking year means that nearly half of the world’s total capacity to generate electricity now comes from clean sources. Most of the new systems built were solar panels and wind turbines, which together accounted for more than 85% of all power additions worldwide in 2025. This steady growth shows that clean energy is becoming more common and reliable for meeting the world’s electricity needs.
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.
