Technology and Science02 April, 20261 min read
IRENA Reports Record 511 GW Solar Growth in 2025, Meeting 75% of Renewables
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Global solar additions in 2025 reached about 511 GW, a record. Total 2025 renewable capacity additions reached roughly 692 GW, with solar ~75%.
Historic Solar Expansion
IRENA reported 511 GW of solar added in 2025, accounting for nearly 75% of total renewable additions. This pushed total global renewable capacity to 5.15 TW.
Solar capacity now totals approximately 2.4 TW, nearly double wind. The expansion coincided with heightened geopolitical tensions.
Regional Disparities Persist
Asia led the expansion, accounting for 74.2% of all new renewable capacity. China remained the dominant contributor across technologies.
Africa and the Middle East recorded their largest growth to date. Central America and the Caribbean registered the lowest additions.
Renewables Drive Energy Security
Renewables expansion came amid escalating geopolitical tensions. IRENA emphasized renewables as homegrown, low-cost and deployable immediately.
Countries investing in the energy transition are weathering crises with less economic damage. Renewables are increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure.
Solar Dominates Renewables Growth
Solar accounted for 511 GW of new capacity, 75% of all renewables. Solar and wind combined accounted for 96.8% of all renewable additions.
Bioenergy added 3.4 GW, hydropower 18.4 GW, geothermal 300 MW. Solar panels have become cheap enough to justify installations in less sun-rich areas.
