Global renewable energy capacity is expanding at an unprecedented pace, with 692 GW added in 2025, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The growth is helping countries reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and improve long-term energy security.
A new policy brief from IRENA highlights how renewables are already strengthening resilience during ongoing energy market disruptions. Countries such as Spain, Portugal, China, India and Pakistan are increasingly benefiting from cleaner power systems that are less exposed to fuel price volatility.
The report notes that over 85 % of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel-based generation. Since 2010, costs have fallen sharply: solar by 87 %, onshore wind by 55 %, and battery storage by 93 %. Combined wind-solar systems with storage are also delivering reliable, round-the-clock electricity at competitive prices.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera stressed that renewables are becoming a strategic necessity for national energy security. He called for urgent action to speed up investment, expand electrification, and strengthen resilience across energy systems.
The brief warns that reliance on fossil fuels continues to expose economies to price shocks, especially in times of geopolitical tension. These risks can affect inflation, economic stability, and vulnerable communities.
To address this, IRENA recommends faster deployment of distributed renewable systems, improved financial support, and public awareness campaigns to manage energy demand. It also encourages flexible tariffs, electrification incentives, and expansion of solar-battery mini-grids in remote areas.
Longer-term measures include accelerating grid development, expanding storage, improving policy frameworks, and supporting industrial electrification. The report also highlights the importance of integrating renewable energy into national planning and strengthening local supply chains.
Source: Zawya
