QAZAQ GREEN.  The world added a record 692 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in 2025, bringing the global total to 5,149 GW — a 15.5% annual increase, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency's Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026. Renewables accounted for 85.6% of all new power capacity added worldwide last year.

Solar photovoltaics led the expansion with 510.3 GW of new installations, making up roughly three-quarters of total renewable additions. Wind energy followed with a record 158.7 GW, up 14% from 2024. Together, solar and wind drove nearly 97% of all new green capacity — reflecting steep cost declines that continue to make them the most competitive energy technologies available.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the numbers send a clear signal: a decentralised energy system with a growing share of renewables is structurally more resilient. Countries that have invested in the energy transition, he noted, are absorbing the current geopolitical shock with less economic damage.

Asia accounted for 74.2% of all new capacity, adding 513.3 GW at a growth rate of 21.6%. Africa recorded its highest-ever annual increase — 11.3 GW, or 15.9% growth — led by Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt. The Middle East saw the fastest percentage growth of any region at 28.9%, driven by Saudi Arabia.