Global renewable power capacity more than doubled over the past decade, driven by record investments and rising demand for clean energy, according to latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA's Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 report shows that global renewable power capacity surged from around 1.8 million megawatts (MW) in 2015 to more than 4.4 million MW in 2024, marking a growth of approximately 144%.
Europe's renewable capacity grew robustly over the same period, rising from 464,014 MW in 2015 to 850,245 MW last year.
Germany led the continent with an increase in its capacity from 97,228 MW to 178,655 MW. Spain followed, nearly doubling its capacity to 88,498 MW.
France and Italy also saw significant gains, while Türkiye ranked fifth in Europe, increasing its renewable capacity from 31,516 MW in 2015 to nearly 69,000 MW in 2025.
The report covers a wide range of renewable sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal and ocean energy, reflecting the sector's role in improving energy security and supporting low-carbon economic growth.
- Hydropower growth remains steady
Hydropower remains the largest source of renewable electricity globally. Worldwide hydropower capacity grew modestly from around 1.2 million MW in 2015 to over 1.4 million MW in 2024.
In Europe, hydropower capacity increased from 214,429 MW to 225,090 MW over the decade.
Norway maintained its position as the continent's hydropower leader, expanding capacity from 31,372 MW to 34,291 MW.
Türkiye recorded the second-highest growth in Europe, growing its hydropower capacity from 25,868 MW to 32,386 MW.
Over the same period, global hydropower production increased by 10.6%, rising from approximately 3.9 million gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 4.4 million GWh.
In Europe, production edged up from 597,677 GWh to 605,365 GWh.
Norway remained Europe's largest producer, generating 137,975 GWh, followed by Sweden with 66,240 GWh, and Türkiye with 64,002 GWh.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr