The world is witnessing an “irreversible shift toward renewable energy as the dominant growth engine of the economy”, Ben Backwell, chair of the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), has said, following the publication of new data indicating record growth in renewables last year.
Renewable power capacity reached 5.15 TW globally as of the end of 2025, following a record 693 GW of new capacity added over the course of the year, according to an assessment presented by the GRA alongside the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the COP31 Presidency Office.
‘Beginning of a new era’
As the data showed, significantly faster growth will be required to meet the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity to 11.2TW by 2030. From current levels, renewable capacity would need to more than double, with an average of 1,200GW required annually between 2026 and 2030.
“The momentum is with us, and this marks the beginning of a new era in the energy transition,” Backwell added. “Recent geopolitical shocks have threatened economies worldwide and put energy security back at the top of the global agenda.
“Renewables offer us a path to safety, reducing dependence on imported fuels, creating skilled jobs and stimulating growth. Astonishing progress has been made, with more renewables added in 2025 than ever before – narrowing the gap to reaching the tripling goal, but we still have a way to go to install more capacity by 2030 than in all previous years combined.”
Progress review
The assessment is the third review of progress towards the energy goals established through the UAE Consensus at COP28. It was released during Climate Week NYC, which is currently taking place in New York.
“Governments must change gear and make renewables a national economic priority today,” said Backwell. “This means working with businesses to address barriers to renewable energy projects, through expanding grids, deploying storage and electrifying homes, transport and wider industry. The prize is enormous: stronger economies, greater energy security and better lives.” Read more here.
