Erbil:Global renewable electricity generation capacity is anticipated to expand by roughly 4,800 gigawatts (GW) from 2026 to 2031.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, this growth represents a 60% increase compared to the previous six-year period. Solar photovoltaic power is expected to contribute over three-quarters of the new renewable energy capacity, with onshore wind power making up most of the remainder.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) report highlights that amid the current energy crisis, government initiatives to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels will drive renewable energy development across broader regions. This will lead to accelerated commissioning of new capacity in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. For the first time, renewable energy capacity additions in emerging economies, excluding China, are projected to match those in advanced economies.
China will remain the top contributor to global renewable energy capacity growth, though its share is predicted to decrease from over 60% in 2025 to an average of 53% between 2026 and 2031. India is set to become the world's second-largest growth market, with its renewable energy capacity more than doubling by 2031.
The report also foresees rapid growth in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa, with renewable energy capacity additions nearly tripling in these regions during 2026-2031 compared to the previous six-year period.
Renewable energy use in the transport sector is expected to rise by more than 60% by 2031, meeting 6% of the sector's global energy demand. Nearly 45% of this growth will come from renewable electricity in electric vehicles, with biofuels accounting for the second-largest share. Amidst high fuel prices, several countries, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America, have increased biofuel blending requirements with gasoline and diesel. The IEA has increased its biofuel forecast by 40% from last year's report.
The IEA emphasizes diversifying supply chains as the renewable sector expands, noting India as a growing source for solar photovoltaic modules. India's share of global production is expected to nearly double in the next five years, reaching 17%.
Additionally, the report stresses enhancing energy system flexibility, recommending investments in electricity grids to align with renewable capacity growth and implementing reforms to expedite new facility connections. The capacity of renewable energy and storage projects awaiting grid connection rose by 60% last year to 3,000 GW, quadruple the capacity of wind and solar plants connected last year.
Battery-based energy storage system deployment is accelerating globally. The IEA suggests that flexible electricity demand management and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, will improve electricity use efficiency during high renewable energy generation periods.