Global renewable electricity generation recorded its fastest annual growth on record in 2024, rising 9.8% year-on-year, according to the latest Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report shows renewable sources generated 9,836 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity during the year, accounting for 31.7% of global electricity production. In comparison, electricity generation from non-renewable sources increased by just 1.4%, highlighting the accelerating shift toward cleaner energy.
The findings come as Türkiye, the incoming COP31 Presidency, announced a global target to increase electrification to 35% of final energy demand by 2035. IRENA estimates that achieving this goal would require renewable electricity to supply 78% of global power generation by 2035—around 2.5 times its current share.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the growing focus on electrification reflects global recognition that renewable electricity strengthens energy security, resilience, and economic competitiveness. He stressed that while the technology and economics are already in place, governments must accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels across buildings, transportation, and industry.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell described the latest figures as evidence that the global shift to clean energy is gaining pace. He noted that renewable energy continues to expand because it is increasingly more affordable, safer, and quicker to deploy than fossil fuel alternatives. However, he emphasized that the transition remains too slow for many vulnerable countries and called for the timely delivery of climate finance commitments.
Solar and wind power remained the main drivers of renewable electricity growth. Asia led global renewable generation with 4,589 TWh in 2024, marking a 14.3% increase, supported by rapid expansion in solar and wind capacity.
Europe generated 1,758 TWh, up 7.2%, driven mainly by solar and hydropower, while North America produced 1,535 TWh, a 5.8% increase. South America generated 1,047 TWh, rising 2.9% as output increased across all renewable technologies.
Among other regions, Eurasia produced 411 TWh, up 11.9%, while Africa generated 227 TWh, increasing 5.7%. Oceania recorded 138 TWh, up 3.4%, and the Middle East posted the fastest regional growth rate at 17.3%, reaching 76 TWh. Central America and the Caribbean generated 55 TWh, reflecting a 5.8% increase.
IRENA also revised its renewable capacity figures for 2025, reporting that global renewable capacity reached 5.2 terawatts (TW) by the end of the year, representing 49.5% of total installed power capacity worldwide.
Annual renewable capacity additions climbed to a record 693 gigawatts (GW) in 2025. While renewables accounted for 85.7% of total global capacity expansion during the year—down from 92.7% in 2024—the agency said the figures confirm that renewable energy deployment continues to outpace the growth of non-renewable power sources.
