China’s Green Power Surge A Promising Development in the Battle Against Climate Change
China’s Green Power Surge Offers Encouraging Prospects in the Battle Against Climate Change
A recent study reveals that China’s wind and solar power sectors are experiencing a significant boom, potentially aiding in the global effort to curb carbon emissions more rapidly than anticipated. The research suggests that solar panel installations alone are growing at a rate that could augment global capacity by 85% before 2025. Moreover, China’s green energy targets for 2030 are on track to be exceeded five years ahead of schedule.
While coal plant construction is also increasing, serving as backup for the expanding wind and solar farms, the study emphasizes the substantial progress being made in China’s renewable energy sector. China, being the largest consumer of coal worldwide, heavily contributes to carbon dioxide emissions, with coal accounting for about 69% of the country’s total emissions.
The study, conducted by Global Energy Monitor (GEM), an independent research group whose findings are often utilized by organizations such as the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, evaluates China’s current installed green energy capacity and projects future developments based on announced plans and ongoing construction.
The report indicates that China currently possesses more solar panels installed in large-scale projects than the rest of the world combined, while its wind energy capacity has doubled since 2017. GEM predicts that China will not only continue this rapid growth but will also more than double its wind and solar capacity by the end of 2025. These advancements would lead to a 50% increase in the global wind turbine fleet and an 85% surge in large-scale solar installations compared to current levels.
This progress is the result of long-term plans dating back over two decades. China has emerged as the leading solar panel supplier globally, driving down costs throughout the supply chain and making solar and wind installations economically competitive. Subsidies and regulations mandating green energy targets for each province have also played significant roles.
Although over half a trillion dollars were invested worldwide in wind and solar in 2022, with China accounting for 55% of that, the country still faces challenges regarding its extensive coal use. In 2022 alone, China constructed around two new coal-fired power stations per week, with many situated alongside solar and wind parks to provide backup power and ensure a stable energy supply.
The crucial issue moving forward is how these coal plants will be utilized. It is hoped that they will be deployed in a manner that maximizes the ratio of renewables to coal. The development of battery storage and the growth of hydrogen will also be key indicators of China’s successful transition away from coal.
