Europe closed 2024 with a total of 848,627 megawatts (MW) of installed renewable capacity, marking an increase of nearly 70 GW compared to the previous year. This advance represents a 9% year-over-year growth, according to data published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025 report.
Germany tops the European ranking with 161 GW of accumulated renewable capacity, accounting for 19% of the continent’s total. It is followed by Spain (88 GW), France (74 GW), and Italy (72 GW). Together, these countries represent nearly 50% of Europe’s total renewable power capacity.
IRENA’s report highlights that 585 GW of renewable capacity were added globally in 2024, with Europe, China, and the United States acting as the primary growth engines. “Solar energy accounted for more than three-quarters of global new additions, setting a record of 452 GW,” the document states.
Wind energy: momentum both onshore and offshore
Globally, total installed wind capacity—both onshore and offshore—reached 1,132,837 MW, with 1,053,403 MW from onshore wind and 79,434 MW from offshore wind. The sector added 113,234 MW in the last year alone.
In Europe, wind energy strengthened its position in 2024, particularly in its onshore form. The region reached a total of 268,891 MW, with 233,220 MW onshore and 35,670 MW offshore.
Germany led the continent with 72,823 MW of wind power, including 63 GW onshore and 9.2 GW offshore. It was followed by Spain with 31,811 MW of onshore wind, the United Kingdom with 30,902 MW (16,157 MW onshore and 14,745 MW offshore), and France with 24,592 MW (23,105 MW onshore and 1,487 MW offshore).
The United Kingdom continues to lead Europe in offshore wind capacity.
“The growth of wind energy in Europe remains a cornerstone of the energy transition, particularly in the northern part of the continent,” the report emphasizes.
Solar photovoltaic: The growth engine
Solar photovoltaic energy reached 1,858,622 MW of global installed capacity, with 451,938 MW added in 2024 alone. In Europe, solar PV reached 336,070 MW, with 58,778 MW added last year.
Germany also leads this segment with 89,943 MW, followed by Spain and Italy, each with 36 GW. Incentive policies, competitive auctions, and a sustained decrease in costs drove the expansion.
Other key contributors include the Netherlands (24 GW), France (21 GW), Poland (20 GW), and the United Kingdom (17 GW).
“77% of all new renewable additions in 2024 were solar,” reports IRENA. In Europe, this technology accounts for more than 55% of the capacity added during the year.
Share of renewables in Europe´s power mix
As of December 2024, the share of renewables in Europe’s total installed electricity capacity reached 60%, surpassing the symbolic threshold for the first time. Globally, the figure was 46.4%.
Within Europe, countries such as Norway (98%), Austria (82%), and Sweden (74%) lead in renewable shares. In absolute terms, Germany, Spain, and France are the top contributors by capacity volume.
“Europe continues to set the pace in decarbonizing its energy mix, although technical challenges remain regarding the integration of variable renewables,” IRENA notes in its analysis.
Global context: Europe as a key player
Globally, total installed renewable capacity reached 4,448 GW by the end of 2024, with Europe accounting for 19% of the total and maintaining its position as the second-largest region after Asia.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera stated: “The continued growth of renewables we observe every year shows they are economically viable and easy to implement. Every year they break their own records for expansion, but we are also facing the same challenges of major regional disparities. And time is running out, with 2030 just around the corner.”
However, IRENA’s official statement warns that the world is still far from achieving the targets agreed at COP28.
“While 2024 marks another milestone in renewable energy capacity and growth, progress remains far from the 11.2 terawatts needed to align with the global goal of tripling installed renewable capacity by 2030. To meet this goal, renewable capacity must now expand by 16.6% annually through 2030,” IRENA warns.
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