Renewable energy: global capacity set to rise by around 4,800 GW by 2031 (IEA)

The IEA forecasts a rise in global renewable capacity of nearly 4,800 GW over the period 2026-2031, which is 57 per cent higher than in the previous six years, according to its report ‘Renewables 2026’, published on 6 November 2026.

Growth in renewable energy capacity in emerging and developing economies, excluding China, is, for the first time, on a par with that of advanced economies, according to the agency. India is set to become the second-largest growth market for renewables after China over the forecast period.

Solar photovoltaics account for more than three-quarters of the increase in capacity by 2031, and China’s share of this growth falls from over 60 per cent in 2025 to 53 per cent over the period. Renewables will supply nearly 45 per cent of global electricity in 2031, compared…