China is constructing more wind and solar power than any other country in the world
China is currently building nearly twice as much wind and solar energy capacity as all other countries combined, according to a report published on Thursday. As the world’s second-largest economy and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, China has committed to peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
The report by Global Energy Monitor, a US-based NGO, highlights that China has 339 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity under construction. This includes 159 GW from wind and 180 GW from solar projects. This amount significantly surpasses the rest of the world’s combined efforts in renewable energy development.
China’s aggressive expansion in renewables is driven by its aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which remains a major source of electricity despite efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The country faces challenges such as integrating renewable energy from remote regions into its national grid and managing surges in electricity demand with coal power plants.
Despite these challenges, China’s capacity from wind and solar energy is expected to exceed that from coal this year, marking a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources. This transition raises hopes that China will reach its peak carbon emissions sooner than anticipated, contributing positively to global efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to expanding renewable energy capacity, China has also taken steps to curb emissions in sectors like steelmaking. A recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) noted that China did not issue new permits for coal-based steel projects in the first half of 2024, a move aligned with its carbon reduction goals.
However, China continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, which exacerbates extreme weather events across the country. Severe heatwaves in the north and heavy rainfall causing floods and landslides in the south have been attributed to global warming, prompting China to intensify its efforts towards sustainable development and climate resilience.
Overall, China’s ambitious renewable energy initiatives and emissions reduction targets represent a significant shift in global climate action, potentially influencing other nations to accelerate their transition to cleaner energy sources.
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