The global transition toward clean energy reached another important milestone as renewable electricity capacity recorded its largest annual increase on record. According to the latest United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2026, installed renewable electricity-generating capacity climbed to 544 watts per person in 2024, representing a 14% increase from 2023. The rapid expansion reflects growing investments in solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable technologies, although significant disparities between high-income and low-income countries remain.

Record Growth in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy as governments seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy security.

The UN report notes that renewable electricity capacity has reached its highest level ever, supported by technological innovation, falling equipment costs, and stronger climate policies. Developing countries have become major contributors to this expansion, recording faster growth rates than many developed economies.

Developing Nations Drive Expansion

One of the report’s most notable findings is the increasing contribution of developing countries to renewable energy growth.

Over the past five years, developing nations recorded an average annual renewable capacity growth rate of 13%, compared with 8% in developed countries. Much of this progress has been driven by rapid deployment of solar power, particularly across Asia and other emerging markets.

Although developing countries now account for nearly half of global renewable generating capacity, they still lag far behind wealthier nations on a per-person basis.

Solar and Wind Continue Leading the Transition

Solar and wind energy remain the primary drivers of global renewable expansion.

Falling manufacturing costs, improved energy efficiency, and supportive government policies have encouraged record investments in solar farms and wind projects across multiple continents.

International renewable energy data also show renewable electricity generation grew by nearly 10% during 2024, reaching approximately one-third of global electricity production.

Large Gaps Still Exist

Despite impressive growth, the benefits of renewable energy remain unevenly distributed.

High-income countries now average more than 1,200 watts of renewable generating capacity per person, while low-income countries average only around 34 watts per person, illustrating the scale of the global energy gap. Limited financing, weak infrastructure, and insufficient technology access continue to slow clean-energy deployment in poorer regions.

More People Gain Access to Electricity

The expansion of renewable energy is also helping improve electricity access worldwide.

According to the UN, global access to electricity increased from 87% in 2015 to 92% in 2024, bringing modern energy services to millions of additional households.

However, approximately 655 million people still live without electricity, with most residing in sub-Saharan Africa and remote rural communities.

Challenges Remain

While renewable electricity continues to grow rapidly, experts warn that several obstacles remain.

These include:

• Limited investment in low-income countries.
• Grid infrastructure constraints.
• Energy storage challenges.
• Slow progress in clean heating and transport.
• Continued dependence on fossil fuels in many regions.

The UN says faster investment, stronger international cooperation, and modern electricity grids will be necessary to maintain current momentum.

Climate Goals Depend on Faster Progress

Renewable energy plays a central role in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and limit climate change.

Expanding renewable electricity can reduce dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas while improving air quality and strengthening long-term energy security.

International organizations believe accelerating renewable deployment is essential for achieving both the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking Ahead

Industry experts expect renewable capacity to continue growing over the coming decade as solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and smart-grid technologies become increasingly affordable.

Governments are also introducing new policies aimed at encouraging private investment and expanding access to clean energy in underserved communities.

However, closing the gap between developed and developing countries remains one of the biggest challenges for the global energy transition.

Conclusion

The latest UN findings demonstrate that renewable electricity capacity is expanding at its fastest pace ever, marking a major step toward a cleaner global energy system. While record growth offers reasons for optimism, ensuring that every country benefits from affordable and reliable renewable energy will require sustained investment, technological innovation, and stronger international cooperation. Continued progress will be critical not only for climate action but also for economic development, energy security, and universal access to modern electricity.