A Record That Inspires — But Still Isn’t Enough

The world is on track to set a new record in renewable energy. According to international projections, nearly 793 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable capacity will be added in 2025 — the highest level ever recorded. China leads the way, with solar energy taking center stage, in a shift that could reshape the global energy landscape.

The transition is already happening. In 2023 alone, the world added about 510 GW of renewable energy, 73% of it solar, followed by wind power. The main contributors were China, the European Union, the United States, and Brazil.

If this trend continues, renewables will surpass coal as the world’s main source of electricity starting in 2025. This is a crucial milestone in the fight against climate change and a key step toward the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

The real question isn’t whether the world can move toward cleaner energy — the data show we can. The question is whether there is enough political and economic will to accelerate the transition before our climate window shrinks further. This record is exciting, but it also reminds us: there’s no time for complacency.

Sources: International Energy Agency (IEA) and REN21

References:

• IEA, Renewables 2023 (official report)
• UN, World Adds Renewable Energy Record in 2023