– Global renewable energy capacity surges by 585 GW in 2024
– China leads with 64% of new renewable installations
– Solar and wind dominate 2024’s renewable energy expansion
In 2024, the renewable energy sector experienced unprecedented growth, adding 585 gigawatts (GW) to the global capacity—a 15.1% increase—bringing the total to 4,448 GW.
Solar and wind energy were at the forefront, comprising nearly all new additions. China was the primary contributor, accounting for 64% of global renewable capacity additions, with India also making significant strides.
Despite this progress, the world remains off-track to triple renewable capacity by 2030, a goal that necessitates an annual growth rate of 16.6%.
While the expansion of renewables is noteworthy, challenges persist. Regional disparities in renewable energy adoption highlight the need for more equitable growth. Additionally, to meet global climate targets, annual investments in renewable capacity must increase significantly.
The record-breaking year underscores the momentum in renewable energy deployment, yet emphasizes the urgency for accelerated and inclusive efforts to achieve global sustainability goals.