UN 
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announced that global renewable energy capacity has exceeded 4,000 gigawatts (GW) as of early 2026, marking a significant milestone in the transition toward sustainable energy sources. This milestone reflects a 12% increase from 2025 and underscores intensified investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects worldwide.
Experts highlight that this growth is instrumental in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Despite the progress, challenges remain in expanding energy access to remote and underserved communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia.
Policymakers are urged to enhance supportive regulatory frameworks and mobilize private sector financing to sustain this momentum. IRENA’s Director-General, Francesco La Camera, emphasized, “Scaling renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a socio-economic opportunity to foster inclusive growth and climate resilience.”
With climate change impacts intensifying, the acceleration of renewables is critical to achieving net-zero emissions targets and fulfilling the Paris Agreement commitments.
