.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..
An article from Carbon Credits
China is making record-breaking progress in renewable energy. The country has already achieved its 2030 clean energy goal six years early. With massive investments and policy support, China is set to remain the global leader in renewable energy expansion. But can it sustain this rapid momentum while balancing energy security and economic growth?
Beating the Clock on Clean Energy: Surpassing Renewable Energy Targets
In 2020, China set a goal to install at least 1,200 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind power by 2030. By the end of 2024, China had already surpassed this target, reaching this milestone 6 years ahead of schedule. This was made possible by aggressive investments, government policies, and a surge in solar and wind installations.
China’s solar capacity grew by an incredible 45.2% in 2024, adding 277 GW. Wind capacity also saw a strong increase of 18%, with an additional 80 GW installed. Overall, total power generation capacity rose by 14.6% in 2024, driven mainly by renewables.
One major milestone was the completion of the Ruoqiang photovoltaic (PV) project. This massive 4-GW solar farm in the Taklamakan Desert is one of the world’s largest solar power projects. It is part of China’s broader strategy to peak emissions before 2030 and transition toward cleaner energy sources.
This rapid progress is due to strong government support, record investments, and local manufacturers producing affordable solar and wind components.
Leading the World in Renewable Investments
China is the world’s largest market for low-carbon energy investment. In 2024, the country attracted $818 billion in clean energy investments—more than the combined total of the U.S., the European Union, and the UK. This accounted for ⅔ of the global increase in clean energy investments that year.
The world’s biggest carbon emitter’s commitment to renewables is reshaping its energy mix. In June 2024, wind and solar power combined surpassed coal in installed capacity for the first time.
China’s 14th Five-Year Plan set a goal for renewables to supply 33% of its electricity by 2025. By 2026, solar capacity alone is projected to overtake coal as China’s leading energy source, with 1.38 terawatts (TW) of solar power expected—150 GW more than coal.
Remi Eriksen, CEO of energy consultancy DNV, once remarked that:
“Intense policy focus and technological innovation are transforming China into a green energy powerhouse.”
And one of these innovations is in the field of nuclear power.
Nuclear Power and SMRs: A Game-Changer for China’s Energy Future?
China is also investing heavily in nuclear power, with 29 reactors under construction, totaling 33 GW of capacity. This makes up nearly half of all new nuclear projects worldwide. By 2030, China will surpass the U.S. as the largest nuclear power producer, with a projected capacity reaching up to 320 GW by 2050.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a key part of China’s nuclear strategy. The country’s first SMR, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR-PM), began operations in 2023. Other SMR designs, including the ACP100 and NHR200, are under development.
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Are we making progress in renewable energy?
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These compact reactors will support industrial heating, electricity supply, and district heating. By 2050, China’s SMR capacity is expected to reach 35 GW, making it the leading global market for this next-generation nuclear technology.
China is quickly growing its renewable energy and advancing nuclear power. This makes it a leader in clean energy worldwide. Even though it still uses coal, the focus on renewables and nuclear is cutting carbon emissions a lot.
The Road to Net Zero: Can China Meet its 2060 Goal?
China has set ambitious climate goals. The country aims to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2060. A key driver of this transition is energy independence, as China seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
A recent report from DNV highlights China’s rapid progress. The country had 1.45 TW of renewable energy capacity online by the end of 2024 and is on track to increase its clean energy capacity fivefold by 2050.
By that time, renewables are expected to supply 60% of China’s energy needs, although fossil fuels will still account for around 40% of the mix.
Challenges and the Role of Coal
Despite this rapid progress, coal remains a significant part of China’s energy system. The country still consumes over 50% of the world’s coal and continues to build new coal-fired power plants. In 2022, China approved 6x more new coal capacity than the rest of the world combined.
The heavy reliance on coal is partly due to energy security concerns. Events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reduced rainfall affecting hydropower have made alternatives like gas and hydroelectric power more expensive.
Coal remains a backup energy source to support the country’s rising electricity demand, which increased by 6.8% in 2024.
However, China’s long-term goal is to reduce this dependence. The government is implementing policies to phase out fossil fuels gradually while ensuring energy stability. By 2050, China’s emissions are expected to drop by 70% compared to current levels, marking significant progress in its clean energy transition.
Future Outlook: A Renewable Superpower
China’s energy transition is at a critical turning point. The country’s investments and policy shifts indicate a strong commitment to clean energy.
By 2030, China’s total energy consumption is expected to peak and then decline by 20% in 2050 due to increased efficiency and electrification.
China aims for net zero by 2060, which is ten years later than the UN’s 2050 target to keep global warming under 1.5°C. So, while progress is strong, more efforts are needed to speed up the shift from fossil fuels.
Overall, China is leading the world in renewable energy expansion, breaking records in solar and wind installations. The country’s rapid growth in clean energy capacity is reshaping its power mix and reducing its reliance on coal.
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