IRENA Chief Highlights Renewable Surge and Energy Transition Progress
On the opening day of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), delivered a strong message about the rapid growth of renewables and the accelerating global energy transition.
Renewable Energy Growth and Statistics
La Camera emphasized the unprecedented role of renewable energy in new power projects worldwide. He shared key data from IRENA’s latest budget report:
- In 2024, the world added a record 518 gigawatts (GW) of new energy capacity.
- This represents a 15% increase from previous years.
- The total global energy capacity reached 4,443 GW.
- Crucially, 92% of all new power capacity added last year came from renewable sources.
- The remaining 8% was attributed to other energy sources.
Energy Transition Outlook
La Camera firmly stated that the global energy transition is gaining pace rather than slowing down. He also provided insights into the evolving roles of fossil fuels and nuclear energy in the sustainable energy future.
“The global energy transition is accelerating, not faltering.”
He highlighted both the progress made and the challenges ahead in moving toward a clean and sustainable energy system.
Summary
IRENA's Director General underlined the dominant rise of renewables in the energy sector, with 92% of new capacity in 2024 being renewable, confirming a robust and accelerating global energy transition.