China is leading the world in building wind and solar energy, with almost double the capacity of all other countries combined, according to new research.
As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, China has pledged to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060. Recent severe weather events, intensified by climate change, have underscored the urgency of these commitments.
Currently, China has 339 gigawatts (GW) of energy capacity under construction, including 159 GW from wind and 180 GW from solar power. This construction volume surpasses the rest of the world combined, as reported by Global Energy Monitor, a US-based NGO.
In comparison, the United States, ranked second, is building 40 GW in total, highlighting China’s dominant role in renewable energy expansion. China has already started building one-third of the new wind and solar capacity it plans, a stark contrast to the global average of only 7 percent.
The rapid construction pace demonstrates China’s active efforts to advance renewable energy projects. However, integrating this new capacity into China’s predominantly coal-powered grid remains a challenge. Experts emphasize the urgent need for enhanced development of transmission lines to support renewable energy distribution.
Despite these challenges, the surge in renewable energy capacity has recently led to record highs in renewable electricity generation, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.
