Renewables 2025 Global Status Report (GSR 2025)

The Renewables 2025 Global Status Report (GSR 2025) is the 20th edition of the world’s most comprehensive annual overview of the renewable energy sector. Published by REN21 (a global multi-stakeholder network), it serves as the benchmark for measuring global progress in the transition to a renewables-based economy.

Key Findings & Statistics

• Top Performers: Brazil, China, and India stood among the top five globally for “Total Renewable Energy Supply by Technology.”
• Solar Dominance: Solar PV continues to lead the way, accounting for nearly 80% of the global increase in renewable capacity.
• Investment Gap: Despite the surge, current investment levels are still not enough to meet the COP28 target of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
• Economic Turning Point: In more than 80% of countries, renewable power capacity is set to grow faster between 2025 and 2030 than in the previous five years.

Major Themes of the 2025 Report:

1. Demand-Side Focus: The report emphasizes that adding renewable “supply” (solar/wind) isn’t enough; we must transform energy demand in sectors like industry, transport, and heating.
2. Structural Barriers: It identifies high interest rates in emerging economies and unequal access to capital as major obstacles to an equitable global transition.
3. The “Global South” Vulnerability: While countries like India are adding massive renewable capacity, their fossil fuel import bills remain a major economic risk due to geopolitical tensions and price volatility.
4. Integration Challenges: Rising levels of curtailment (wasting excess renewable energy) and negative electricity prices signal that national grids need urgent investment and flexibility.

Why it Matters for India?

The report highlights India as a key driver of the global expansion, noting:

• Higher Auction Volumes: Increased government tenders for renewable projects.
• Rooftop Solar: New support and subsidies for residential and small-scale solar.
• Hydropower Permitting: Faster administrative processes to bring large-scale hydro projects online.