Solar energy led global renewable power growth in 2025, with Africa recording its highest expansion on record, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In its ‘Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026’ report released on Tuesday, IRENA said solar accounted for about 75 percent of new renewable energy capacity added last year.
The report said global renewable capacity rose to 5,149 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 after adding 692 GW — a 15.5 percent increase.
It added that off-grid solar solutions also continued to expand, particularly in regions with limited electricity access, including parts of Africa.
Wind energy followed solar growth, while other sources such as hydropower and bioenergy contributed smaller shares.
“Approximately three-quarters of the capacity expansion was in the form of solar energy, which increased by 511 GW (+27.2%); this was followed by wind energy, with additions of 159 GW (+14.0%). Renewable hydropower capacity increased by 18.4 GW (+1.4%); bioenergy by 3.4 GW (+2.3%); and geothermal energy by 0.3 GW (+1.7%),” the report reads.
“Solar and wind energy continued to dominate renewable capacity expansion in 2025, jointly accounting for 96.8% of all net renewable additions.
“2025 marks the highest annual increase in renewable generation capacity to date and the highest growth on record in percentage terms.”
Despite the global surge, the agency said Africa’s growth, though the highest on record, remained modest compared to other regions.
The continent added 11.3 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, representing a 15.9 percent increase, driven largely by projects in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt.
“The Middle East recorded its largest growth rate, at 28.9% (+12.7 GW) in 2025, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the majority of this expansion,” IRENA said.
“By the end of 2025, the Group of Seven (G7) countries (excluding the European Union) accounted for 22.1% of the global capacity share, totalling 1140 GW.
“The Group of Twenty (G20) countries (excluding the European Union and African Union) accounted for 81.8% of the global share, with a total capacity of 4210 GW.
“The G7 and G20 countries accounted for 12.0% and 88.5% of new capacity, respectively, in 2025.”
IRENA said the figures highlight a widening gap in clean energy deployment between regions, with Asia accounting for more than 70 percent of global additions.
The report noted that countries with lower renewable capacity, including many in Africa, remain more vulnerable to energy shocks and rising fuel costs.
Commenting on the findings, Francesco La Camera, IRENA director-general, said renewable energy is becoming increasingly important for energy security.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” he said.
“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 the Middle East crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”
IRENA said the global shift towards renewables is being driven in part by concerns over fossil fuel price volatility and geopolitical tensions, which have exposed the risks of relying on imported energy.
The report called for increased investments in regions with low renewable capacity to improve energy access and strengthen resilience.

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