By Abdullahi Lukman
Global renewable energy capacity saw record growth in 2024, with 582 gigawatts added, but countries remain off track to meet a key UN climate goal of tripling capacity by 2030, according to a report released, Tuesday by international renewable energy groups.
The report, compiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Global Renewables Alliance, and the COP30 Brazilian Presidency, shows global renewable capacity reached 4,443 GW by the end of 2024.
To meet the COP28 commitment made by over 100 countries in 2023, total capacity must rise to 11,174 GW by the end of the decade. This requires a 16.6 percent annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030, compared to the 15.1 percent achieved last year.
Despite the gap, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the goal remains within reach, forecasting additions of up to 750 GW in 2025.
“We are closing the gap,” he told Reuters, emphasizing that global momentum remains strong despite political and economic uncertainties.
In the United States, recent changes to renewable energy tax credits under President Donald Trump have raised concerns about potential investment slowdowns. Still, La Camera insisted, “This transition is not stoppable,” highlighting that renewables are now the cheapest source of electricity.
The report urges governments to adopt stronger policies, upgrade power infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and invest in workforce development to accelerate progress.
It follows another major study, Global Tipping Points, released Monday by 160 scientists, warning that climate thresholds are being crossed faster than expected, adding urgency to the global energy transition.