A record 740 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity was added worldwide last year, but it's still not enough to meet a global goal to triple renewable capacity by 2030, according to a report by the Paris-based thinktank REN21 showed on Tuesday.
A target was set at the COP28 U.N. climate conference in 2023 to triple the amount of renewables such as wind and solar to keep a 1.5 degree Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) warming limit this century within reach.
Analysts tracking progress have said the world is not on course to triple capacity. The 1.5 Celsius limit also appears out of reach, they said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Trajectories show a shortfall of 6.2 terawatts towards the goal, which is more than all renewables deployed to date, the REN21 report showed.
Solar photovoltaic accounted for 81% of new renewable power capacity last year as rooftop solar increased in developing countries and technology costs continued to fall. Solar PV is the only renewables technology on track to deliver its contribution to the global tripling capacity target.
CONTEXT
Last year and in early 2025, many countries rolled back or delayed climate change measures as the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agremeent and New Zealand reversed its ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.
Oil and gas companies and banks have also scaled back investments in the energy transition. Trade measures, even before U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff action this year, also limited renewable development in 2024 as the West protected its industries against cheap Chinese competition.
KEY QUOTE
"We are deploying renewables in record numbers, but we are not building the systems needed to transition to a renewables-based economy," said Rana Adib, executive director of REN21.
"Without coherent policies, coordinated planning, and resilient infrastructure including grids and storage, even record deployment cannot deliver speedy and lasting transformation," she added.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, killing at least eight people, including children, and forcin...
Christian Dior has secured one of fashion's most coveted celebrity endorsements after both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wore custom haute couture des...
The United States has confirmed that a previously delayed troop rotation to Poland will resume within weeks, reassuring Warsaw after months of uncerta...
Disruptions to global energy routes have transformed energy security from an economic concern into a matter of national security, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Wednesday.
Azerbaijan continues to host a series of high-profile global events, including COP29, the World Urban Forum and upcoming World Environment Day activities, positioning itself at the centre of international climate discussions.
Many developing countries continue to face chronic energy shortages. Frequent power cuts disrupt industries, limit access to healthcare and education, and slow economic progress.
The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank concluded in Samarkand with new renewable energy agreements, discussions on economic resilience and the release of a major policy report on global value chains.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
The third stage of the Tour de France will be closed to spectators on Monday (6 July) after a fast-moving wildfire in southwestern France prompted exceptional safety measures, organisers and local authorities announced.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
A bird’s nest woven from dry grass and fibre-optic cable near Ukraine’s front line is offering researchers an unusual glimpse into how more than four years of war are reshaping the natural environment.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment