The world is on track to add a record amount of renewable energy capacity again in 2025, according to think tank Ember, with solar and wind installations projected to reach 793 gigawatts (GW), up 11% from 717 GW in 2024.
The forecast builds on rapid growth in previous years, including a 22% rise in 2023 and a 66% increase in 2022, Ember said in its report based on monthly deployment data to September.
Solar capacity is expected to grow 9% and wind by 21%, with solar contributing more in absolute terms, the group said. China is set to account for the majority of new installations, responsible for 66% of global solar additions and 69% of global wind additions in 2025.
“After the strong growth from 2023 to 2025, renewable additions now need to rise by 12% per year from 2026 to 2030 to meet the tripling goal,” Ember said, highlighting the challenge ahead. The organisation noted that current government targets for 2030 align with only a doubling of capacity, creating uncertainty over achieving the tripling ambition.
Ember also cited the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) projections, which indicate a 15% shortfall in capacity and a 28% shortfall in generation relative to the tripling target by 2030.
The think tank’s analysis underscores the need for sustained policy support and accelerated deployment to maintain momentum in the global energy transition.
