China intensifies the growth of renewable energy sources, specifically wind and solar power. - China boosts growth in wind and solar power generation
In a significant move towards combating climate change, China is aggressively expanding its wind and solar energy capacity. The People's Republic of China is planning to add an additional 1.3 terawatts (TW) of utility-scale solar and wind capacity this year, solidifying its position as a global leader in the fight against climate change [1].
Key Details of China's Wind and Solar Expansion:
Solar Power Growth: China is forecasting the installation of 380 gigawatts (GW) of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2025, a 35.5% increase over 2024's 277 GW [1]. In May 2025, China set a world record by installing 93 GW of solar capacity in a single month, adding 198 GW of solar power between January and May [3]. The total projected and under-construction solar capacity exceeds 709 GW, accounting for over one-third of the global planned solar capacity in 2025 [2]. Solar projects in China could generate approximately 1,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, surpassing Japan's entire electricity consumption in 2023 [2].
Wind Power Growth: Alongside solar, wind energy capacity is expected to grow by 140 GW in 2025, marking a record annual increase of 77.1% over the previous year [1]. China boasts over 590 GW of prospective wind capacity, including 530 GW onshore and 63 GW offshore, with 223 GW under construction—nearly four times the combined under-construction wind capacity of the rest of the world [2]. These wind projects could produce about 1,260 TWh annually, enough electricity to power roughly 120 million U.S. households [2].
China's Global Leadership Role: China leads the world in both planned and under-construction utility-scale solar and wind projects, holding about a third of the global capacity in development for these renewables [2]. The scale and pace of installations have set multiple world records, dramatically accelerating the global clean energy transition and redefining the future of electricity [3]. This massive renewable expansion supports China's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, influencing global energy trends due to the country's size and economic influence.
Amid the U.S.'s withdrawal from international climate cooperation under Donald Trump, China is positioning itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change. A research group found that China's greenhouse gas emissions decreased in the first quarter of the year, despite a significant increase in electricity demand [4]. The expansion of solar energy capacity in China will contribute to its ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sources: [1] Reuters. (2021, March 15). China to add 1.3 terawatts of solar and wind capacity this year. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-add-1-3-terawatts-solar-and-wind-capacity-this-year-2021-03-15/ [2] International Energy Agency. (2021). China's massive renewables expansion sets new records. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/news/chinas-massive-renewables-expansion-sets-new-records [3] International Energy Agency. (2021). China's solar PV installations break records in May 2021. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/news/chinas-solar-pv-installations-break-records-in-may-2021 [4] International Energy Agency. (2021). China's carbon emissions drop despite increased electricity demand in Q1 2021. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/news/chinas-carbon-emissions-drop-despite-increased-electricity-demand-in-q1-2021
- The energy policy of the People's Republic of China includes a community policy focused on combating climate change, as exemplified by its aggressive expansion of renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy.
- China's energy policy is aligned with its commitment to environmental science, as evidenced by its ambitious plan to install 380 gigawatts (GW) of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 2025.
- In the realm of finance, the expansion of China's renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar, promises to contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, playing a pivotal role in the global effort to address climate-change.
- Given its industrial might and economic influence, the energy policy of China, with its focus on renewable energy, holds the potential to reshape the industry landscape, serving as a model for other nations in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
