- China’s massive renewable energy rollout: Installing 10 gigawatts of wind and solar every two weeks.
- Early achievement of climate goals: China is set to meet its 2030 clean energy target by the end of this year.
- High-voltage transmission lines: Connects renewable energy from the west to the densely populated east.
- Firming the grid: China balances intermittent renewables with pumped hydro, battery storage, and coal plants.
- Global lessons: China’s rapid decarbonization provides a framework for other nations to scale their green energy transitions.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, China has emerged as an unexpected leader in the renewable energy race. While Australia debates the future of nuclear power and faces delays in scaling up solar and wind energy, China is installing renewable energy infrastructure at an unprecedented rate. The pace of China’s clean energy transition is equivalent to building five large-scale nuclear power plants in renewable capacity every week. According to the Sydney-based think tank, Climate Energy Finance (CEF), China is on track to meet its 2030 renewable energy target by the end of this month—an incredible six-and-a-half years early.
China’s Renewable Energy Milestones
China’s rapid decarbonization of its power grid is being achieved through the installation of at least 10 gigawatts of wind and solar power every two weeks. This pace is unmatched globally, making China a significant case study for countries looking to accelerate their own clean energy transitions. Experts estimate that by the end of this year, China’s renewable generation will surpass that of coal, signaling a major shift in the global energy landscape.
Massive Infrastructure and Energy Distribution
One of China’s most impressive feats has been the construction of the world’s largest solar and wind farms in the western regions like the Gobi Desert. These renewable energy zones are connected to the densely populated eastern cities through the world’s longest high-voltage transmission lines, spanning distances equivalent to crossing Australia. This ambitious infrastructure development is essential to overcoming the geographical limitations that restrict renewable energy production in urban areas.
Firming the Grid: Balancing Intermittent Renewables
One of the key challenges with renewable energy is its intermittent nature, as solar and wind power generation depends on weather conditions. To ensure a steady and reliable energy supply, China has adopted a mix of solutions to “firm” the grid, including pumped hydro storage and battery systems. China is currently installing 1 gigawatt of pumped hydro storage each month. This rapid expansion contrasts with Australia’s struggles to build the 2GW Snowy 2.0 project, which has faced significant delays over the past decade.
The Role of Coal in China’s Energy Transition
Despite its progress in renewable energy, China continues to build coal-fired power plants, accounting for 95% of new coal construction globally in 2023. However, these plants are not meant to derail China’s clean energy goals. Instead, they play a role in maintaining grid stability and meeting the country’s growing electricity demand as sectors like transport become electrified. While the reliance on coal persists, its share of total electricity generation continues to fall as renewables rapidly expand.
What the World Can Learn from China
China’s rapid and large-scale renewable energy deployment provides a valuable lesson for other nations. It has demonstrated that with clear targets, strong government coordination, and strategic infrastructure investments, even the largest carbon emitters can transition towards a green economy. As Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes notes, China’s approach is not only ambitious but also shows how quickly decarbonization can occur with the right policies in place.