IRENA reports record global renewable energy capacity addition in 2023

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released its World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023, showing that more than 300 gigawatts of new renewable power capacity were installed in 2023 – a 14 % rise over the previous year and the highest annual addition on record. Solar generation accounted for nearly 60 % of the new capacity, with China alone supplying over half of the world’s new solar installations. Wind power also expanded, especially offshore projects in Europe, while battery‑storage deployments grew by more than 50 %.

IRENA Director‑General Francesco La Camera said, “The momentum for renewables is undeniable… they are becoming the backbone of our energy systems.” Despite the surge, renewables now provide just over 30 % of global electricity and still fall short of the Paris Agreement target. The agency warns that annual additions must triple by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5 °C, calling for accelerated investment and supportive policies, particularly in under‑served regions such as sub‑Saharan Africa and Latin America.