China's Renewable Energy Surge: China’s non-fossil-fuel power capacity tops 2,000GW

China’s renewable energy capacity has surpassed 2,000 gigawatts, with non-fossil fuels now comprising 58.8% of its power capacity, nearing the 60% target for 2025. The country has doubled its renewable capacity since 2021 and achieved its 2030 wind and solar goals six years early. Investments exceeded $800 billion in 2022, reinforcing its global leadership in clean energy. While advancing renewables, China balances energy needs by expanding coal power, highlighting its dual focus on sustainability and energy security.

China has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with its installed non-fossil-fuel power capacity surpassing 2,000 gigawatts for the first time. As the world's largest carbon emitter, this achievement highlights China's pivotal role in the global transition toward clean energy.

According to data from the China Electricity Council, the nation’s installed non-fossil-fuel power capacity grew by 23.3 percent year-on-year by the end of last month. Non-fossil fuels now account for an impressive 58.8 percent of China's total installed power capacity, bringing the country close to its 60 percent target for 2025. This remarkable progress reflects the success of China's current five-year plan, which began in 2021. Since its launch, the nation’s capacity in the renewable energy sector has more than doubled, as reported by Xinhua.

China’s accelerated development of non-fossil energy aligns with its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This transition is also part of a strategic effort to reduce heavy reliance on oil imports and curb extensive coal consumption.

The country’s installed capacity for new energy sources—primarily wind and solar—reached 1,460 gigawatts by the end of last month, representing a 32.5 percent year-on-year increase. These clean energy sources now account for 42.8 percent of China’s total power generation capacity. Notably, China achieved its 2030 target of reaching at least 1,200 gigawatts in solar and wind capacity six years ahead of schedule, in 2024.

China is also nearing its five-year plan goal of deriving 20 percent of its total energy consumption from non-fossil fuels by this year. By the end of last year, this share had already reached 19.7 percent, signaling the country’s steady progress.

Globally, China remains at the forefront of renewable energy expansion. Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency revealed that global renewable capacity grew by 15.1 percent last year, reaching a record high. China contributed nearly 64 percent of the world’s newly installed renewable capacity, solidifying its status as the leading force in this sector.

In terms of investment, Beijing has outpaced its global competitors in clean energy spending. According to a Bloomberg report, China invested more than $800 billion in renewable energy last year, equivalent to 4.5 percent of its gross domestic product. This massive financial commitment underscores the country’s determination to lead the global energy transition.

However, despite its rapid progress in renewable energy, China continues to expand coal power capacity. Power shortages since 2021 have prompted policymakers to ensure energy security through coal. Last year, industrial thermal power generation using fossil fuels—primarily coal—increased by 1.5 percent, reaching 6.3 trillion kilowatt-hours, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

China’s advancements in renewable energy showcase its commitment to a sustainable future, even as it balances the challenges of energy security. As the nation continues to lead global efforts in clean energy development, its progress serves as an inspiring example for the world.