Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s total renewable energy capacity reached 7.91 GW at the end of 2025, up from 6.85 GW in 2024, marking a 15.4% year-on-year increase, according to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The country has recorded rapid growth over the past decade, with capacity rising from just 0.14 GW in 2016 to current levels, reflecting sustained investments in clean energy.
Solar power continues to dominate the UAE’s renewable energy mix, accounting for an estimated 7.53 GW, or 95.2% of total renewable capacity. Hydropower contributes 0.25 GW (3.2%), while wind energy accounts for 0.11 GW (1.4%), and bioenergy contributes 0.27 GW (3.4%).
Renewable energy accounted for 15.3% of the UAE’s total installed power capacity at the end of 2025, compared with 14.3% in 2024, underscoring the growing role of renewable energy in the country’s overall energy mix.
The data highlights the UAE’s continued progress in scaling up renewable capacity as part of its long-term energy transition strategy.
Globally, renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 GW in 2025, following the addition of 692 GW during the year, representing a 15.5% annual increase, according to IRENA. Renewables accounted for 85.6% of total global capacity additions and now represent 49.4% of total installed power capacity worldwide, marking a major milestone in the global energy transition.
Solar energy led global growth, contributing around 510 GW, or nearly three-quarters of total additions, while wind energy added 159 GW, with the two technologies together accounting for the vast majority of new capacity.
“In the midst of uncertain times, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables, is structurally more resilient,” he said, highlighting the role of renewables in enhancing energy security and reducing exposure to global fuel market volatility.
IRENA noted that the continued expansion reflects the strong economic case for the energy transition, with renewable technologies becoming increasingly competitive and resilient. However, disparities remain across regions, with major economies accounting for the bulk of new capacity additions, while regions such as Africa continue to lag behind despite rising growth rates.
The agency added that as renewables approach half of global installed capacity, further progress will depend on addressing challenges such as grid flexibility and integration of variable renewable energy sources, alongside accelerating deployment to meet long-term climate and energy goals.
