In Short : The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a massive 4,600 GW increase in global renewable power capacity by 2030—equivalent to the combined capacity of China, the EU, and Japan. Solar PV will lead nearly 80% of this growth, followed by wind and hydropower. Despite rapid expansion, the world still falls short of COP28’s goal to triple renewables by 2030.

In Detail :The International Energy Agency (IEA) has forecast a record global increase of about 4,600 gigawatts (GW) in renewable power capacity between 2025 and 2030. This expansion is equivalent to the combined current capacity of China, the European Union, and Japan. The surge represents a major acceleration in clean energy adoption worldwide, driven by rapid technology advancement and policy support.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is expected to dominate this growth, accounting for nearly 80% of new installations. Falling module prices, faster permitting processes, and strong consumer demand for distributed solar systems are fueling this rapid expansion. Residential, commercial, and industrial solar installations are all expected to play a crucial role in this transformation.

Wind energy, both onshore and offshore, will also see strong growth, supported by continued investment and policy backing. However, challenges such as supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and lengthy approval procedures may slow the pace of deployment in some regions. Despite these hurdles, wind power remains a key component of the global renewable energy mix.

Hydropower, particularly pumped storage projects, is expected to provide essential grid balancing and reliability support. While growth in new hydropower projects remains modest, its contribution to energy storage and flexibility will be critical as countries integrate higher shares of variable renewable energy sources into their power systems.

The IEA report notes that, despite the record pace of expansion, the world is still short of achieving the “tripling renewables” target established at COP28. Achieving this goal will require overcoming barriers related to financing, grid infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Without significant policy and investment shifts, many countries may struggle to meet their 2030 clean energy commitments.

Regional trends show that while advanced economies continue to lead in capacity additions, emerging economies are rapidly catching up. Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are expected to experience strong growth, narrowing the gap in renewable energy deployment between developing and developed regions.

In some regions, including the United States and China, the IEA forecasts a slight downward revision in renewable growth due to regulatory changes, economic fluctuations, and grid integration challenges. However, both countries are still expected to contribute significantly to global renewable capacity through large-scale solar and wind developments.

By 2030, renewables are projected to account for nearly 45% of global electricity generation, making them the largest single source of power globally. This shift marks a historic turning point in the global energy landscape, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets.

To fully realize this potential, the IEA emphasizes the urgent need for investment in transmission networks, energy storage, and flexible grid systems. Strengthening international cooperation and implementing stable policy frameworks will be crucial for ensuring that renewable energy expansion continues at a pace necessary to meet global climate goals.

Error:Contact form not found.