Renewables capacity hits 2 billion kW mark

China's non-fossil fuel power generation capacity reached a historic 2-billion-kilowatt milestone by the end of February, solidifying the country's global leadership in the transition away from fossil fuels and marking a pivotal step toward its ambitious climate goals, said industry experts.

It is the first time that the country's installed capacity of non-fossil energy power generation has reached this threshold, with a year-on-year increase of 23.3 percent, cementing its position as the global leader in clean energy deployment, according to data released by the China Electricity Council on Thursday.

The overall non-fossil fuel power generation capacity has doubled since the start of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), a 103.1 percent cumulative growth over the period, the council said.

This growth is underpinned by China's commitment to its "dual carbon" targets. The council emphasized that this rapid growth highlights the power industry's dedication to achieving carbon neutrality and optimizing the nation's energy structure.

Industry experts believe that China, by showcasing its commitment and achievements in renewable energy, is playing a more prominent role in shaping the global energy landscape and influencing international cooperation on climate change and sustainable development.

Zhu Yicong, vice-president of renewables and power research at global consultancy Rystad Energy, said China's commitment to renewable energy is driving an extraordinary expansion of its clean power infrastructure, with installation rates accelerating in recent years.

This rapid growth is particularly evident in the solar sector, which is poised to reach unprecedented levels, she said.

The consultancy predicts that China's solar photovoltaic capacity will shatter previous records, projecting it to surpass a staggering 1,000 gigawatts by mid-2025.

"As China prioritizes renewables in its energy strategy, the country, the world leader in electricity production from such energy sources, has shown clear leadership in global solar PV installations," she said.

"A large proportion of such installations is expected to be generated from the country in 2025."

China has also been stepping up clean-energy technology advances in recent years, with related technologies making up more than 10 percent of the nation's economy last year for the first time ever, according to a think tank.

These sectors grew three times as fast as the Chinese economy's overall growth rate last year, according to data released by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the think tank.

According to the council, non-fossil energy now accounts for 58.8 percent of China's total power generation capacity, up 4.2 percentage points from the same period last year and a 14-percentage point rise since 2021.

Wind and solar power are leading this green surge, with combined installed capacity reaching 1.46 billion kilowatts by the end of February. This reflects a 32.5 percent year-on-year increase and now constitutes 42.8 percent of China's total power capacity.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn