HONG KONG, (Reuters) – China achieved unprecedented growth in renewable energy installations in 2024, breaking previous records in its rapid pursuit of clean energy dominance, according to official data released on Tuesday.
The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported a staggering 45.2% increase in solar power capacity and an 18% rise in wind power installations compared to 2023. Solar capacity now stands at an impressive 886.67 GW, up from 609.49 GW the previous year, far outpacing the United States, which had 139 GW in 2023, per the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Remarkably, China met its 2030 renewable energy target six years ahead of schedule. By 2030, solar capacity is projected to reach 1,780 GW, surpassing coal power, which is expected to peak at 1,440 GW, according to the state-owned China National Petroleum Company.
Wind power capacity also saw robust growth, reaching 520 GW, an 18% year-on-year increase. The total installed power generation capacity rose by 14.6%, hitting 3.35 billion kilowatts by the end of 2024.
China’s efforts include a three-year plan unveiled last August to modernize its power system, expand renewable energy use, and reduce strain on the national grid. Analysts at Greenpeace predict that by 2025, renewables could meet all new power demand growth, enabling China’s power sector to peak emissions by the same year.
The data underscores China’s accelerating transition to clean energy, solidifying its position as a global leader in renewable energy development
