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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Electricity generation in Africa: fossil still leads 2.5-to-1, but the gap is closing
  • Fossil fuels still generate 2.5x more electricity than non-fossil sources, though the gap has narrowed from a 2007 peak of 4.5x.
  • South Africa and Egypt together account for all of Africa's nuclear power and 59% of its non-hydro renewables.
  • Hydropower, the largest non-fossil source at 188.6 TWh, tells a different geographic story, with 91% generated outside South Africa and Egypt, mainly in Eastern, Middle, and Western Africa.
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Non-fossil generation overtook coal in 2023, and the gap has widened every year since
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Egypt overtook South Africa's electricity generation in 2024 and extended its lead in 2025
  • Africa’s share of global electricity generation rose only from 2.6% in 1985 to 3.1% in 2025.
  • Africa’s electricity generation increased 283% over the past 40 years.
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Nigeria retained Africa’s third-highest refinery throughput as output reached a record high in 2025
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  • Nigeria remained Africa’s third-highest, behind Algeria and Egypt.
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  • Kenya and Rwanda followed with gains of 61 pp and 58 pp, respectively.
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