Asia's renewable energy capacity grew by 21.1% to 2,374 GW in 2024, the highest among regions

  • Asia added 413 GW in one year, marking the most significant renewable energy expansion globally.
  • Asia’s 2024 renewable capacity is larger than the combined totals of all other regions indicated.
  • Europe reached 850 GW of installed capacity in 2024, consolidating its position as the second-largest renewable energy region.
  • North America’s renewable energy grew by 8.7% to 572 GW.
  • Oceania recorded a 12.9% growth rate, one of the highest relative increases despite its small base.
  • The Middle East achieved 10.8% growth, reflecting increased investments in solar and wind energy.
  • Africa’s renewable energy grew modestly to 70 GW.
  • Central America & the Caribbean recorded no growth, staying at 19 GW, making it the only stagnant region in 2024.

Asia has taken the lead in global renewable energy growth, recording a massive 21.1% increase in installed capacity between 2023 and 2024. This surge pushed its total to 2,374 GW, far ahead of every other region. The scale of Asia’s growth highlights its aggressive push towards clean energy, driven by rapid industrialisation, policy support, and the urgency to cut reliance on fossil fuels.

In comparison, Europe and North America maintained growth, adding 72 GW and 46 GW, respectively, though their year-on-year growth rates—9.3% and 8.7%, respectively—are far behind Asia’s pace. Regions like Oceania and the Middle East, although smaller in total capacity, stood out with double-digit growth rates, demonstrating that even emerging players are increasing their adoption of renewable energy. Meanwhile, Africa and South America posted modest gains, reflecting progress but underscoring the need for further investment and infrastructure to harness their vast renewable potential.

Source:

IRENA

Period:

2024
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Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity held steady at 2.1–2.3 GW from 2015 to 2021, then surged from 2022 onward
  • Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity grew from 2.1 GW in 2015 to 3.7 GW in 2024.
  • This represents a 76% increase over the decade.
  • The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 5.7% between 2015 and 2024.
  • From 2015 to 2020, capacity was stagnant at around 2.2 GW.
  • The biggest growth year was 2022, with a sharp 34.9% increase.
  • Capacity stagnated in 2023 at 3.1 GW before climbing again in 2024.
  • Nigeria’s renewable growth remains modest compared to its population size and energy demand.

From 2015 to 2024, Morocco's renewable capacity grew from 2.4 GW to 4.0 GW, a 67% increase
  • Morocco’s renewable energy capacity grew from 2.4 GW in 2015 to 4.0 GW in 2024.
  • This represents a 67% increase over the decade.
  • The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 5.3% between 2015 and 2024.
  • Capacity was stagnant at 2.4 GW from 2015 to 2017 before growth resumed.
  • The biggest single-year increase happened in 2022, with a 13.7% jump.
  • Capacity additions slowed in 2023 (3.7 GW) and 2024 (4.0 GW).

From 2015 to 2024, South Africa's renewable energy capacity more than tripled, from 3.4 GW to 13.5 GW
  • South Africa’s renewable energy capacity grew from 3.4 GW in 2015 to 13.5 GW in 2024.
  • The country recorded a CAGR of 14.7% over the period.
  • The biggest annual growth was in 2016, when capacity surged by 49.2%.
  • Stagnation occurred in 2021 (0.8% growth) and 2023 (0.0%), reflecting project delays or policy issues.
  • The most recent increase was in 2024, when capacity rose to 13.5 GW, showing renewed momentum.
  • South Africa’s renewable energy capacity is more than three times Nigeria’s 3.7 GW in 2024.

From 2015 to 2024, Kenya's renewable capacity almost doubled, increasing from 1.6 GW to 3.1 GW
  • Kenya’s renewable energy capacity grew from 1.6 GW in 2015 to 3.1 GW in 2024.
  • This represents a near doubling of capacity in less than a decade.
  • The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 6.9% between 2015 and 2024.
  • The largest single-year jump came in 2016 with a 23.2% increase.
  • Kenya faced a setback in 2021 when capacity dipped by -8.6%.
  • A strong rebound occurred in 2022 (+15.5%), reaffirming momentum.

In 2024, Egypt’s renewable capacity reached 11.8 GW, up 5.6 GW from 2015
  • Egypt’s renewable capacity grew from 6.2 GW in 2015 to 11.8 GW in 2024.
  • This represents a net increase of 5.6 GW over the decade.
  • Egypt recorded a 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2015 to 2024.
  • Between 2015 and 2019, growth was very slow, with capacity almost flat.
  • The turning point came in 2020, when expansion began to pick up pace.
  • The largest jump occurred in 2022, with a 26.3% year-over-year increase.
  • By 2024, Egypt’s renewable capacity was more than three times Nigeria’s 2024 level of 3.7 GW.

Ethiopia’s renewable energy capacity grew at an 8.6% compound annual rate from 2015 to 2024
  • Ethiopia’s renewable capacity grew from 2.6 GW in 2015 to 6.0 GW in 2024.
  • The country achieved an 8.6% compound annual growth rate over this period.
  • Ethiopia’s capacity is higher than Nigeria’s 3.7 GW in 2024, despite Nigeria’s larger economy.
  • The biggest surge occurred in 2017, with a 64.9% year-over-year increase.
  • Growth was steady but modest between 2017 and 2021, averaging small annual increments.
  • A slight dip occurred in 2023, but Ethiopia recovered to 6.0 GW in 2024.

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