- China added 277 GW of solar and 80 GW of wind capacity in 2024, breaking previous records.
- Total solar capacity reached 887 GW and wind capacity hit 521 GW, putting China ahead of its 2030 renewable energy target.
- Despite renewable growth, China still heavily relies on coal, posing challenges to its 2060 carbon neutrality goal.
China solidified its leadership in renewable energy by setting new records in 2024. The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported that the country added 277 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 80 GW of wind capacity last year, exceeding 2023’s additions of 217 GW for solar and 60 GW for wind.
With these installations, China’s total solar capacity hit 887 GW, and wind capacity reached 521 GW. These numbers push China ahead of its 2030 target of 1,200 GW of renewable energy. The rapid growth reflects China’s aggressive energy strategy, which drives its clean energy expansion.
China’s renewable energy boom rests on massive investments. From 2011 to 2022, China invested over $50 billion in the sector, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This funding helped the country launch large-scale solar farms in deserts and develop offshore wind parks, quickly scaling up its infrastructure.
Despite its renewable advances, China continues to rely heavily on coal. Coal remains a significant part of the energy mix, even though coal plant construction permits dropped by 83% in the first half of 2024. China faces challenges in reducing this dependence as the world’s largest coal consumer.
However, China pledged to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. China must balance economic growth with its decarbonisation efforts to reach these goals. In 2024, the country demonstrated its ability to increase renewable energy adoption while maintaining industrial growth, showing progress toward this balance.
China’s renewable energy expansion carries geopolitical weight. China boosts its influence in global energy markets by investing in green technologies. This dominance positions the country to shape international energy policies and set industrial standards.
China’s renewable push continues to outpace the rest of the world. Many nations struggle to match the scale of their annual installations. As China accelerates its energy transition, it plays a crucial role in the global fight against climate change. The country’s ability to merge economic growth with renewable energy development sets an example for others pursuing clean energy.
While China’s renewable capacity grows rapidly, its heavy reliance on coal still challenges its climate goals. The coming years will test China’s ability to sustain economic growth while decreasing its use of fossil fuels. Yet, China’s 2024 achievements demonstrate its leadership in renewable energy and mark a key step in the global energy transition.