Renewables surge, but REN21 warns of systemic gaps

Global renewable energy deployment reached an all-time high in 2024, with 740 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity added—more than in any previous year. Solar PV led the momentum, accounting for over 80% of that growth, and helping renewables supply nearly a third of the world’s electricity. The numbers are impressive, but according to a new international report, they’re still not enough.
The Renewables 2025 Global Status Report, published in June by REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century), paints a picture of rapid progress—but also of an urgent need to go further. REN21, a global network of governments, industry, and research organizations, has tracked the global energy transition for two decades. Its annual report is considered one of the most comprehensive assessments of renewable energy worldwide.
This year’s edition highlights a widening gap between what has been achieved and what is still required to meet the COP28 goal of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030. The target calls for more than 11 terawatts (TW) of installed capacity. So far, the world has deployed just under 3.8 TW. That leaves a gap of over 6 TW—greater than all current renewable capacity combined.
“We are deploying renewables in record numbers,” said REN21 Executive Director Rana Adib, “but we are not building the systems needed to transition to a renewables based economy.” The report points to several barriers. While clean electricity is expanding, many countries have yet to align their national policies with post-COP28 ambitions. Investment in supporting infrastructure—such as grid upgrades, storage systems, and sector coupling—lags behind. Electrification of transport, industry, and buildings remains slow, with fossil fuels still dominant in heating and mobility.
“Without coherent policies, coordinated planning, and resilient infrastructure including grids and storage,” Adib added, “even record deployment cannot deliver speedy and lasting transformation.” Yet the outlook is far from discouraging. REN21 notes that renewable energy costs continue to fall, making clean power more accessible than ever. Clean energy investment hit record levels in 2024, and innovations such as floating solar, green hydrogen, and long-duration storage are gaining traction. China remains the leader in capacity and electrification, but other regions are beginning to scale up.
The report’s overall message is one of possibility—with a caveat. The foundation is strong, but reaching global targets will require more than momentum. It demands alignment across sectors, long-term planning, and faster political response.
As Adib and the REN21 network make clear, the world is not starting from zero. It’s building from its strongest position yet. The challenge now is not catching up—but keeping up.