Unprecedented Growth and a New Chapter in Clean Energy History
A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), published in March 2025, revealed that in 2024, more than 585 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity were added to the global grid — the highest annual growth in the history of the industry (centralasiaclimateportal.org).
This increase represents a 15.1% growth compared to the previous year (2023) and accounts for 92.5% of all new power generation capacity worldwide.
Share of Solar Panels and Wind Energy
The addition of 585 GW last year was overwhelmingly driven by solar and wind technologies; solar panels accounted for 452 GW with 32.2% growth, holding the largest share, while wind added 113 GW, representing 11.1%, securing second place.
Together, these two sources constitute 96.6% of the new renewable energy capacity, reflecting their dominant market position.
A Regional Overview
- Asia: Accounted for nearly 72% of the renewable capacity increase, with China leading (about 374 GW) (reuters.com).
- Europe: Added 70 GW (+9%), with Germany playing a significant role.
- North America: Particularly the USA, with 38.3 GW solar growth (+54% compared to 2023) alongside other sources.
- Middle East: Saw around 3.3 GW increase (+9%), indicating a growing regional role.
- Africa and Latin America: Slower growth rates but consistent increases (renewableenergymagazine.com).
Still a Long Way to the 2030 Global Target
Despite the extraordinary growth, IRENA warns this is not sufficient. To achieve the “tripling of installed capacity by 2030” (over 11.2 terawatts), the annual growth rate must reach 16.6%, requiring 1,120 GW annually — far beyond current trends.
This highlights the contrast between achievements and challenges: while records have been broken, regional disparities in clean energy development and policy delays remain major obstacles.
Global Reactions and Implications
- Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, said:
“Renewable energy’s record-breaking growth proves it is economical and scalable; however, regional inequalities and limited time are serious challenges.” - António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized job creation, energy cost reduction, and air cleansing, stating:
“Change must be faster and fairer.”
Conclusion and Importance for Aras Energy
The 585 GW renewable energy growth in 2024 marks the start of a new era in energy transition — one where solar and wind become the dominant electricity sources. However, to maintain pace and equity in development, coordinated investment, technology, and international policy are urgently needed.
For companies like Aras Energy in Dubai:
- Expanding regional partnerships with solar/wind power plants
- Supplying equipment and infrastructure
- Collaborating with international energy bodies
- Developing targeted and sustainable clean energy projects
can play a pivotal role in maturing the regional and global clean energy ecosystem.
