Abstract This study estimates the global energy potential of solar photovoltaics and onshore wind power and characterizes it with respect to the proximity to urban areas. Solar and wind power are centerpieces of a decarbonized energy system, and that different to other energy resources are disperse and widely available across the world. Therefore, characterizing how close or far these resources can improve the estimation of their availability. The analysis is based on a model using geo-referenced data and parameters related to the energy resources, technologies and land features. Results showed that the energy potential of solar (409 PWh yr−1) and wind (354 PWh yr−1) energies concentrates in the vicinity of urban areas, demonstrating the value of resources close to urban areas for covering current electricity needs. For example, current electricity consumption can be covered with high-grade solar resources (capacity factor >24%) within 30 km away from urban areas, or with middle-grade onshore wind resources (capacity factor >20%) within 20 km away from urban areas. Thus, it suggests that constraining the use of solar and wind energy in the proximity of urban areas due to social acceptability concerns, may significantly impact the deployment of high to mid-quality resources. The study is a starting point to evaluate the effect of restrictions and costs related to the proximity on the availability of renewable resources and their penetration in long-term decarbonization scenarios.