Global renewable power capacity reached 5,149 gigawatts (GW) last year after a record increase of 692 GW, marking a 15.5% annual growth, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) latest report.
Renewable energy accounted for 85.6% of total global capacity expansion last year, while non-renewable sources continued to represent a much smaller share of new additions, IRENA's Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report revealed Wednesday.
Geopolitical tensions are once again putting energy security at the center of global attention. The escalation of tensions in the Middle East has raised fresh concerns about supply security and volatility in fossil fuel prices.
IRENA explained that against this backdrop, renewable energy is gaining renewed attention as countries seek to build more resilient energy systems that are less vulnerable to international shocks.
Commenting on the results, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said that in the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion.
This not only indicates market preference but also makes a strong case for renewable energy resilience with brutal clarity, La Camera added.
A more decentralized energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient, he noted.
"Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness," he said.
- Solar energy led total increase
In line with the previous year, solar energy led the capacity increase, accounting for 511 GW or 73.8% share in the total renewables capacity addition, IRENA said. Wind energy followed suit, adding 159 GW.
"Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of all net renewable additions last year, reflecting the biggest cost decrease among all renewable technologies," IRENA said in the report.
Bioenergy took the third place with 2.3% annual growth, adding 3.4 GW to total renewable energy expansion.
- Renewable capacity gains highlight global inequalities
The report also outlined the persistent and significant disparities amongst countries and regions.
Asia continued to lead with a 74.2% contribution to all new renewable capacity. The 513.3 GW additions represent a growth rate of 21.6%.
"Africa recorded its highest capacity increase, rising by 15.9% or adding 11.3 GW, driven by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt. Another region that experienced its largest annual growth is the Middle East, which increased by 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia," the report stated.
In terms of total global capacity, Asia unsurprisingly keeps its top position with 2,891 GW of total renewables capacity, followed by Europe which recorded 934 GW in total.
Central America and the Caribbean had the lowest renewables capacity with a total of 21 GW in 2025.
"This disparity exposes the vulnerability of economies with low share of renewables, and underscores the urgent need to increase the share for their energy security," IRENA said.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr