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Clean energy growth stalls for first time in five years
27 Oct
Summary
- Global clean energy capacity additions to decrease in 2026.
- Inadequate transmission networks hinder renewable energy growth.
- China's slowdown impacts overall global clean energy additions.
Global clean energy capacity growth is projected to slow in 2026, marking the first decline in five years. This interruption stems from significant issues with inadequate transmission networks and ongoing trade barriers.
While solar and wind power installations have seen accelerating growth since 2021, the pace is expected to falter. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) notes that the mismatch between power generation and distribution capacity is the primary obstacle.
China, a leading renewable energy producer, has experienced a slowdown due to grid curtailment. This reduction, combined with network limitations in countries like Australia and Japan, is impacting global additions.
IRENA's Director-General highlighted that other nations' growth might not offset China's slowdown. This development raises concerns for emission reduction targets, as the UN emphasizes the need for stringent cuts to combat global warming.
