In a context where renewable energies play a crucial role in the global energy transition, the question of China’s position in this field continues to raise eyebrows. Between rumors and established facts, it is essential to examine the reality behind the figures concerning the construction of wind and solar projects. Let’s discover together the truth about China’s contribution to this vital sector for the future of our planet.
China at the Forefront of Renewable Energy
China has established itself as an undisputed global leader in the field of renewable energies. According to a recent report published by Global Energy Monitor (GEM), China is building nearly twice as many wind and solar power plants as the rest of the world combined. With 180 GW of solar capacity and 159 GW of wind capacity currently under construction, the country is setting an unprecedented record.
Impressive Projects in Numbers
The GEM report highlights impressive statistics:
- 180 GW of utility-scale solar under construction
- 159 GW of wind power under construction
- Total capacity under construction reaches 339 GW
This figure is significantly higher than the 40 GW under construction in the United States, illustrating the growing gap between China and other countries in renewable energy.
China’s Strategy for a Green Future
This spectacular expansion of renewable energies in China is largely due to strong government support. President Xi Jinping has emphasized strengthening green manufacturing and the “new productive forces” to steer the Chinese economy towards technology and innovation.
Between March 2023 and March 2024, China installed more solar capacity than in the previous three years combined. GEM analysts estimate that China will reach 1,200 GW of installed wind and solar capacity by the end of 2024, six years ahead of government targets.
Challenges Ahead
However, not everything is without obstacles. To achieve its goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 18%, China will still need to increase its renewable capacity. Earlier studies suggest that the country will need to install between 1,600 GW and 1,800 GW of wind and solar energy by 2030 to produce 25% of its energy from non-fossil sources.
Geopolitical tensions and energy security issues have led to an increase in approvals for new coal plants, despite commitments to strictly control their expansion. Total coal consumption has also risen, posing additional challenges for climate goals.
Towards Efficient Use of Renewable Energies
To make the most of the clean energy produced by Chinese wind and solar farms, it is crucial to improve storage and grid flexibility. Aware of this challenge, the Chinese government has designated lithium-ion batteries as one of the three new key technologies for high-quality growth, alongside electric vehicles and solar panels. In 2023, $11 billion was invested in grid-connected batteries, a 364% increase compared to 2022.
Unparalleled Global Advancement
The GEM report also highlights China’s ability to realize its renewable energy infrastructure projects. The 339 GW of wind and solar projects under construction represent a third of the proposed projects, far exceeding the overall construction rate.
The question we must ask ourselves is: why is the rest of the world so slow? China is showing the way to a greener future, and it is essential that other nations follow this example for a positive global climate impact.
