The world is producing more clean energy than ever before, but not everyone is benefitting equally. According to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), while global renewable energy capacity grew by 15 percent in 2024, most of that growth happened in Asia, Europe, and North America. Africa and other vulnerable regions were left far behind.
Who Is Leading and Who Is Left Behind?
Asia added the most renewable energy last year, about 71 percent of all new global capacity. Europe and North America followed with 12.3 percent and 7.8 percent respectively. Meanwhile, Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and Eurasia together only contributed 2.8 percent.
Even though Africa increased its clean energy production by 7.2 percent, it still lags far behind other parts of the world. That’s worrying because the continent has huge solar and wind energy potential and millions of people still live without reliable electricity.
Why Should Ordinary Citizens Care?
For people living in these under-served regions, the growing gap in clean energy investment affects daily life. It means:
- Higher energy costs due to reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Unreliable electricity, affecting schools, hospitals, and small businesses.
- Fewer jobs in the growing green energy sector.
- Worse climate impacts, even though these regions contribute the least to global emissions.
In short, without access to affordable and sustainable energy, communities miss out on better healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities.
Why the Gap Exists
The gap isn’t just about geography, it’s about money and technology. Wealthier regions have more access to investment, equipment, and trained workers to build wind farms and solar plants. Africa and similar regions often lack the financing, stable policies, or infrastructure to attract large-scale energy projects.
What Can Be Done?
IRENA’s Director-General, Francesco La Camera, says the solution lies in stronger partnerships, targeted policies, and more international financing. Here are some ways the gap could be closed:
- International Investment: Wealthier countries and global institutions can provide affordable financing for renewable energy projects in vulnerable regions.
- Technology Sharing: Countries with advanced technology can help others access affordable solar, wind, and storage systems.
- Policy Support: Governments need to create clear, supportive policies that make it easier for businesses and communities to invest in renewables.
- Local Ownership and Innovation: Supporting community-owned solar mini-grids, training youth in renewable jobs, and using local materials can lower costs and create jobs.
- Debt Relief with Green Targets: Some experts propose linking climate debt relief to clean energy commitments, giving low-income countries more space to invest in the green transition.
Time Is Running Out
Globally, we’re not moving fast enough. If current trends continue, the world will fall short of its goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. That would make it harder to fight climate change and protect vulnerable communities from its worst impacts.
For citizens in Africa and similar regions, the message is clear: without urgent action to close the energy gap, they risk being left behind in the clean energy future.
