The global community needs to ensure a threefold increase in renewable energy capacity by 2030, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Director-General Francesco La Camera said during the opening of Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026), Report informs.
He noted that 2025 saw an all-time record for renewable energy capacity additions, with 692 GW added worldwide.
"By the end of the year, renewable energy accounted for 49% of the world's total installed power generation capacity and 85% of all newly added generation capacity. Such rapid expansion is already delivering tangible results," the IRENA chief said.
According to IRENA's latest analysis, existing renewable energy capacity helped prevent $480 billion in annual fossil fuel costs and avoided 8.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2025 alone.
La Camera said these figures confirm that renewable energy is not only the most effective source of new generation capacity but also a fundamental pillar of energy security, economic stability and sustainable development.
"The direction of travel is clear. Although different regions face different conditions, our shared priorities are to triple renewable energy capacity, double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030, and accelerate investment in electricity grids, energy storage systems and sustainable fuels," he added.