As the sun rises over vast solar arrays and smoke stacks fade into memory, the Chinese mainland is fast-tracking its green energy revolution. This Wednesday marks the kickoff of the 2025 National Energy Efficiency Promotion Week, coinciding with National Low-Carbon Day in the Chinese mainland, and spotlights the mainland's five-year sprint toward peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality.
Behind the scenes, top-level strategies and sector-by-sector guidelines are weaving low-carbon principles into every corner of the economy. The results are in the numbers: in 2024, a staggering 86 percent of new power capacity in the Chinese mainland came from renewables. Today, more than half of the total installed capacity—56 percent—runs on sun, wind and water.
Global clean energy leadership
According to the International Energy Agency, the Chinese mainland is set to deliver roughly 60 percent of all new global renewable capacity by 2030. On roads and highways, new energy vehicles (NEVs) have claimed the top spot worldwide for a decade straight. In fields like solar panel manufacturing, lithium batteries and carbon capture, local firms now lead the tech frontier.
Nicholas Wagner, an energy expert at the World Economic Forum, calls it "impressive and essential."
Market-based tools and tech innovations
In July 2021, the Chinese mainland launched its national carbon emissions trading market, which has grown into the world's largest by volume of greenhouse gases traded. Since then, carbon intensity in electricity generation has dropped by nearly 9 percent.
This year, the fifth edition of the mainland's low-carbon technology catalogue highlights breakthroughs like advanced solar cell materials, more efficient wind turbine designs and next level energy storage such as high-capacity batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. These innovations are key to phasing out fossil fuels and building a resilient, renewable-powered grid.
With policy support, market tools and cutting-edge tech working in harmony, the Chinese mainland's green transition is ramping up. As young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, your curiosity and engagement can help shape this journey and maybe carry it even further.
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China accelerates green transition amid national low-carbon week
cgtn.com