According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources met all of the growth in global electricity demand in 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the clean energy transition.
The IEA's Global Energy Review 2025, published in April 2026, found that global electricity demand rose by 2.5% in 2025, driven by economic growth, electrification, and data center expansion. Solar and wind power alone accounted for over 80% of the increase in generation.
Renewables now supply approximately 30% of global electricity, up from 27% in 2023. The IEA noted that this growth helped to slow the rise in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, which increased by only 0.5% in 2025.
Fatih Birol, the IEA's Executive Director, stated: 'The rapid expansion of renewables is reshaping the global power sector. Meeting all demand growth with clean energy is a clear sign of progress.'
