Global renewable-energy capacity increased by 15.5%, or 692 GW, year-on-year to 5 149 GW in 2025, intergovernmental organisation the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has revealed.

Its ‘Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026’ report also shows that renewable energy dominated the total capacity expansion in 2025 at an 85.6% share, while non-renewables continued to account for a smaller share of additions.

Geopolitical tensions are once again thrusting energy into the global spotlight as escalation in the Middle East raises fresh concerns over supply security and fossil fuel price volatility.

Against this backdrop, renewable energy is gaining attention for its role in building more resilient systems that are less vulnerable to international shocks, and with renewables being homegrown, low-cost and immediately deployable, increasing their share in national energy systems could reduce exposure to international fuel markets, Irena states.

“In the midst of uncertain times, 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,” Irena director-general Francesco La Camera comments.

“A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness,” he adds.

In line with 2024, solar energy led the increase, accounting for a 511 GW, or about 75%, share in the total renewables capacity addition, with wind energy second with 159 GW of new additions.

Together, solar and wind accounted for 96.8% of all net renewable additions last year, reflecting the biggest cost decrease among all renewable technologies.

Bioenergy took third place with 2.3% growth, adding 3.4 GW to total renewable-energy expansion.

Meanwhile, the report also confirms the persistent and significant disparities among countries and regions as Asia continued to lead with a 74.2% contribution to all new renewables capacity, with the 513.3 GW of additions in that region representing a growth rate of 21.6%.

Africa recorded its highest capacity increase of 15.9% or 11.3 GW, driven by Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.

Another region that experienced its largest yearly growth is the Middle East, where additions increased by 28.9%, led by Saudi Arabia.

In terms of total global capacity, Asia 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 a low share of renewables and underscores the urgent need to increase the share for their energy security.