Accelerating the energy transition is critical: a new report reveals that renewable energy installations must more than double to meet global climate targets by 2030, despite a record-breaking 2025.
A new joint report from major energy sector organizations has sounded an alarm regarding the pace of the global energy transition. According to the study released in London, the expansion of clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, must be drastically accelerated. Although 2025 marked a record year for renewable capacity additions, the current rate remains insufficient to reach the ambitious climate goals set for the end of the decade.
The most pressing issue is the gap between current progress and the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, a commitment made by more than 100 nations at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. This challenge demands a coordinated effort and significant investments to prevent the world from falling short of its environmental commitments.
The gap between progress and COP28 targets
In 2025, global renewable energy capacity grew by just over 690 gigawatts (GW). However, to reach the goal of tripling that capacity by 2030, the world needs to install an annual average of approximately 1,200 GW. This alarming projection is at the heart of the report prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in partnership with the COP31 Presidency and the Global Renewables Alliance.
Total installed renewable energy capacity reached 5.15 terawatts (TW) by the end of 2025. To meet the tripling commitment, the target is to reach 11.2 TW. This means that, despite the progress made, there is still a long way to go—with less than half the target achieved—underscoring the urgency of intensifying efforts across all sustainable energy fronts.
Energy efficiency and infrastructure in question
The challenge is not limited to clean energy generation. Energy efficiency measures are also falling behind. In 2025, energy intensity improved by approximately 2%, a rate lower than the 4% annual increase required to double efficiency, which is another key global commitment for decarbonization.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera expressed concern in the report: “Renewables can still close the gap by 2030, but energy efficiency is lagging, electricity demand is growing faster than expected, and grid infrastructure has failed to keep pace.” This analysis highlights the complexity of the energy transition, which requires investment not only in power sources but also in how energy is consumed and distributed.
The imperative of grid investment and electrification
To mitigate these challenges, the report points to the need for substantial investment in power grid infrastructure. It is estimated that between 2026 and 2030, nearly $1 trillion will be required annually, a significant increase from the $525 billion recorded in 2025. This investment is crucial for the efficient integration of rising renewable energy capacity.
Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, emphasized government responsibility, stating that countries must “make renewable energy a national economic priority.” This includes not only expanding grids but also developing energy storage systems and the electrification of residential areas, transportation, and industry to drive sustainability.
Looking ahead to COP29 and the future of energy
The upcoming COP29 climate negotiations, to be held in Turkey this November, are expected to focus heavily on the electrification of various economic sectors. The goal of having electricity account for 35% of total global energy consumption by 2035 is expected to be a central point, reiterating the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency as pillars of the global climate agenda. The race against time for a green economy is underway, and the coming years will be decisive for the planet’s energy future.
