Global Renewable Energy Additions Reach Record 582 GW in 2024, Solar Emerges as Clear Leader

By Girish | February 4, 2026

Global renewable energy deployment reached an unprecedented milestone in 2024, with newly installed capacity surging to a record 582 gigawatts (GW), according to the latest data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The figures confirm that renewables are now firmly established as the dominant source of new power generation worldwide.

Solar energy accounted for the largest share of this expansion, contributing approximately 452 GW of new capacity during the year. This means solar alone represented nearly four-fifths of all renewable capacity additions in 2024, underscoring its role as the backbone of the global clean energy transition.

Renewables Dominate Global Power Capacity Growth

IRENA’s assessment shows that renewable technologies made up the vast majority of all new power generation capacity added globally in 2024. In contrast, additions from fossil fuel-based sources were minimal, reflecting a structural shift in how electricity systems are being planned, financed, and deployed.

Wind power continued to expand steadily, supported by both onshore and offshore projects, while hydropower, bioenergy, and hybrid renewable-storage systems also contributed to overall growth. However, no other technology matched the speed, scale, or cost competitiveness of solar energy.

Why Solar Is Leading the Energy Transition

Solar power’s dominance is driven by rapidly declining costs, shorter project development timelines, and broad applicability across utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential segments. Many countries are now deploying solar faster than any other power generation technology in history.

The expansion of rooftop solar, distributed generation, and solar-plus-storage solutions has further accelerated adoption, enabling greater energy access, grid resilience, and energy security across both developed and emerging markets.

Implications for Climate Targets and Energy Policy

The record-breaking additions in 2024 signal strong momentum toward decarbonization, but IRENA has cautioned that global deployment must continue to accelerate to meet climate goals and net-zero targets. Grid upgrades, energy storage integration, and consistent policy frameworks will be critical to sustaining this growth.

As investment flows increasingly favor clean energy, renewable power—led by solar—is becoming the default choice for new electricity generation worldwide, reshaping global energy markets and long-term infrastructure planning.

The 2024 data marks not just a record year for renewables, but a decisive turning point in the global energy transition.