Renewable energy growth is accelerating in emerging and developing economies outside China, according to the International Energy Agency’s annual report.
The agency expects these economies to add around 1,100 GW between 2026 and 2031, nearly matching the expected additions in advanced economies for the first time.
Globally, the agency expects renewable capacity to rise by about 4,800 GW over the same period.
These projections come amid an energy crisis that has seen sharp increases in oil and gas prices, after the US-Iran war disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Solar Leads the Expansion
The agency expects renewable capacity in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East to triple within five years.
Solar projects play the largest role in this expansion. The agency also expects India’s share of global growth to more than double, reaching about 8.5% by 2031.
China, meanwhile, will remain the largest contributor to global renewable growth, with projected additions of around 2,550 GW.
However, its share of global growth is expected to fall from 60% in 2025 to 53% by 2031.
Despite the accelerating expansion, delays in connecting projects to power grids remain a challenge.
The number of projects awaiting grid connection worldwide rose by 60% over the past year.
As a result, the grid’s capacity to absorb new projects is becoming increasingly important as investment expands.
