By the end of March, the Chinese mainland’s wind and solar power capacity hit 1.482 billion kilowatts, officially overtaking thermal power capacity for the first time. This marks a historic turning point in its energy transition.
Industry watchers say this reflects a massive push to decarbonize and invest in green infrastructure. Wind and photovoltaic installations now account for over 40 percent of new capacity added worldwide.
In the first quarter of this year, wind and solar plants generated 536.4 billion kilowatt-hours, representing 22.5 percent of total electricity output – up 4.3 percentage points year-on-year. Meanwhile, total renewable energy capacity, including hydropower, reached about 1.41 billion kilowatts by the end of 2024, making up more than 40 percent of overall capacity and surpassing coal-fired power.
Since 2013, installed wind power capacity has grown sixfold, and solar has surged more than 180 times. Annual new installations now account for over 40 percent of the global total, cementing the Chinese mainland’s role as a major contributor to global green development.
Looking ahead, the National Energy Administration expects wind and solar to maintain their lead over thermal power as continued investment, smart grid innovations and energy storage breakthroughs drive the next wave of growth.
For young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, this boom signals opportunities across renewables – from turbine design and AI-powered grid management to sustainable financing. For travelers and digital nomads, greener grids mean more eco-friendly city stays powered by clean energy.
This landmark shift in the Chinese mainland’s energy landscape has global implications, setting a fresh pace in the journey toward net-zero emissions.
Reference(s):
China's wind, solar capacity surpasses thermal power for first time
cgtn.com
