The International Energy Agency (IEA) has forecast a historic surge in renewable energy, projecting that global renewable capacity will grow faster than any other major energy source over the next decade. Despite resistance in the United States and parts of Europe, the IEA warns that the transition away from fossil fuels is now "inevitable," driven by unprecedented investment in green infrastructure.

The agency's flagship annual report predicts that the world will deploy more renewable projects in the next five years than in the past 40 combined. This rapid expansion is expected to meet nearly all the projected 40% rise in global electricity demand, fueled by electric vehicles, heating and cooling systems, and the energy-intensive operations of AI datacentres. Nuclear power is also experiencing a "renaissance," largely due to major tech companies seeking stable, low-carbon electricity. Investment in global datacentres is projected to reach $580 billion in 2025, outpacing the $540 billion planned for global oil supply.

David Tong of Oil Change International emphasized that the report confirms that "no single country can stop the energy transition," urging world leaders at the UN Cop30 climate talks in Brazil to commit to a "fast, fair, and funded fossil fuel phase-out." The IEA’s report reinforces commitments made at Cop28 in Dubai, including tripling renewable capacity by 2030 and accelerating the fossil fuel exit.

Analysts note some political pushback, particularly from US Republicans, who pressured the IEA to include a "cautious scenario" suggesting slower renewable adoption. However, experts like Dave Jones of Ember thinktank argue that this scenario underestimates the growth of electric vehicles and renewable deployment. He stressed, "Renewables and electrification will dominate the future – and all fossil-importing nations will gain the most by embracing them."

The report highlights solar power as the main driver of growth, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, regions with abundant sunlight. While US solar deployment may lag due to policy shifts, global renewable expansion is projected to continue at a "rapid pace." Mariana Paoli from Christian Aid emphasized the moral imperative for wealthy nations to end fossil fuel investments and significantly increase climate financing, noting that despite surging renewables, public money continues to flow into unnecessary fossil fuel projects.