Renewable energy capacity hits record in 2025 amid climate target concerns

Global renewable energy capacity reached a record 690 gigawatts of new additions in 2025, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the COP31 Presidency, and the Global Renewables Alliance. While total global renewable capacity reached 5.15 terawatts by the end of 2025, the world remains less than halfway toward the goal of 11.2 terawatts established at the COP28 summit.

To meet the pledge to triple renewable capacity by 2030, the annual installation rate must nearly double to approximately 1,200 gigawatts per year. The report also notes that energy efficiency improvements are lagging, with a 2% improvement in 2025 against the 4% annual rate required to meet commitments. Additionally, experts highlighted that electricity demand is rising faster than expected and that grid infrastructure and energy storage must receive faster investment to effectively utilize new renewable generation.