Renewable electricity generation recorded its fastest growth to date in 2024, increasing by 9.8%, compared to 1.4% for non-renewable generation, new data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has revealed.
This was ‘significantly higher’ than the growth rate achieved in 2023, IRENA said, with renewable sources generating a total of 9,836 terawatt hours (TWh) during the year, accounting for 31.7% of global electricity production.
‘Rallying behind electrification’
“The world is rallying behind electrification as a cornerstone of the energy transition, with renewable electricity as its driving force,” commented Francesco La Camera, director general, IRENA. “Growing support for global electrification reflects a shared recognition that clean electricity strengthens energy security, resilience and competitiveness.
“This will require renewable electricity generation to expand at an unprecedented pace over the next decade —around 2.5 times today’s level. Technologies are available, the economics are compelling. Now we must swiftly shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity across buildings, transport and industry.”
In 2024, Asia led the world in renewable electricity generation, the data showed, generating 4,589 TWh, an increase of 14.3%, with the region seeing ‘particularly strong’ growth across solar and wind.
Europe generated 1,758 TWh, up 7.2%, driven by increases in solar and hydropower, while North America generated 1,535 TWh, an increase of 5.8%, and South America generated 1,047 TWh, up 2.9%.
Renewable generation was also up in the Middle East, Eurasia, Africa, Oceania, Central America and the Caribbean, albeit from a smaller base. The Middle East in particular reported a regional growth rate of 17.6%.
‘Powerful new evidence’
“Every nation at COP30 agreed unanimously that the global transition is now ‘irreversible’ and this new data is powerful new evidence,” added Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“With renewable power generation clocking its fastest growth ever, the shift to clean energy is charging ahead, because it’s now cheaper, safer and faster-to-market, in stark contrast to this year’s ongoing fossil fuel cost chaos. […] But despite this vast progress, the shift to clean energy is still far from fast or inclusive enough, and many vulnerable nations need significant support, making full and timely delivery of all climate finance pledges essential.”
According to IRENA, annual renewable capacity additions reached a record 693 GW in 2025. Total installed renewable capacity stood at 5.2 terawatts by the end of the year, representing 49.5% of global electricity generation capacity. Read more here.
