NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Global renewable power capacity reached 5.15 terawatts by the end of 2025, marking another record-breaking year of growth. During this period, 693 gigawatts of renewable capacity were added worldwide. The International Renewable Energy Agency indicated that annual additions must now average approximately 1,200 GW through 2030. Achieving this rate is essential to meet the global goal of 11.2 TW of installed renewable energy capacity by the decade’s end.
This objective is part of the UAE Consensus reached during COP28 in Dubai. Almost 200 countries endorsed efforts to triple the global renewable capacity and double the annual improvements in energy efficiency by 2030. The latest progress report assesses advancement against both objectives, using data from 2025. It was developed in collaboration with the COP31 Presidency of Türkiye and the Global Renewables Alliance, and was unveiled during Climate Week NYC.
In 2025, renewable capacity grew by over 15.5%, continuing the rapid expansion seen in recent years. In 2024, global additions stood at around 582 GW before increasing to 693 GW in the following year. An earlier assessment estimated that roughly 1,122 GW needed to be added annually from 2025 through 2030. However, the revised figure has now risen to about 1,200 GW per year, reflecting the shorter time remaining to reach the set target.
Significant increase in grid investments necessary
According to the report, annual investments in electricity networks and system flexibility should approach $1 trillion from 2026 to 2030. In 2025, worldwide spending in these sectors totaled approximately $525 billion. Additionally, around 2,500 GW of advanced renewable projects, storage solutions, and large-scale electricity initiatives are waiting for grid connection approval globally. The report emphasizes transmission, distribution, battery storage, and digital infrastructure as critical components needed to support higher renewable electricity levels.
Between 2024 and 2025, battery storage costs declined by about 30%, and by approximately 95% since 2010. Solar projects integrated with storage gained increased importance in new power development. Systems designed to supply continuous renewable energy accounted for roughly 25% of utility-scale solar installations worldwide in 2025. Additionally, IRENA reported that over 90% of new utility-scale renewable projects commissioned last year produced electricity below the lowest cost of a new fossil-fuel alternative.
Progress in energy efficiency lags behind
In 2025, global energy intensity improved by about 2%, falling short of the roughly 4% annual improvement needed under the UAE Consensus pathway. The goal aims to double the current rate of global energy efficiency gains by 2030. The assessment highlights increased electrification and the broader adoption of efficient electrical technologies as key strategies. It also associates faster efficiency improvements with strengthened grids, additional storage capacity, and more adaptable electricity systems.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged quicker action to resolve energy transition obstacles and to boost investment flows toward developing economies. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera noted that renewable deployment has progressed, yet grid infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements remain below the necessary levels. The global capacity target remains 11.2 TW by 2030. With 693 GW added in 2025, last year’s expansion still fell short by 507 GW compared to the annual additions now needed to meet the 2030 goal.