As the world accelerates its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, China stands out as a trailblazer in renewable energy. Over the past two decades, the nation has significantly reshaped its energy infrastructure, emerging as the global leader in clean energy deployment. Despite challenges, China’s ambitious plans and strategic reforms signal a transformative path toward a greener and more sustainable future.

How China Emerged as a Renewable Energy Leader

China’s meteoric rise in renewable energy can be traced back to its strategic investments starting in the mid-2000s. The country identified clean energy as a dual opportunity: a means to combat pollution and emissions while establishing itself as a global leader in green technology. By integrating solar, wind, and battery innovations into its development agenda, China catalysed rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies.

By 2023, China had outpaced every other nation in renewable energy capacity. It doubled its new solar installations, increased wind capacity by 66%, and nearly quadrupled its energy storage capabilities within a single year. In fact, its solar capacity alone reached levels that matched the rest of the world combined. This unprecedented expansion has not only positioned China as a renewable energy powerhouse but also significantly lowered global costs for solar and wind technologies.

The Drive for Global Collaboration

In November 2023, Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua and U.S. climate envoy John Kerry announced a joint commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This collaboration highlighted China's leadership in setting ambitious targets and influencing international climate action. While the agreement underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, China’s progress in renewable energy far outpaces that of the United States, reinforcing its dominance in global clean energy efforts.

China’s domestic targets are equally impressive. The nation is on track to achieve its 1,200 GW renewable capacity goal in 2025, five years ahead of its original deadline. Projections suggest that by 2026, it could achieve 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity alone, a major milestone toward meeting the Paris Agreement's global renewable energy targets.

Strategic Investments Fuel Growth

China’s investments in renewable energy extend beyond domestic infrastructure. By securing dominance in clean energy supply chains, such as rare earth minerals and solar manufacturing, China has become a vital player in the global green economy. Today, it produces over 80% of the world’s solar panels and remains a leading manufacturer of wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles.

These achievements stem from a long-term vision embedded in China’s five-year plans. By aligning national policies with green innovation, China has fostered a renewable energy ecosystem capable of driving down costs while scaling up production. This commitment ensures that clean energy technologies remain accessible not just within China but for other nations striving for sustainability.

Addressing Challenges and Driving Innovation

Despite its success, China’s energy transition is not without obstacles. Coal continues to dominate electricity generation, providing 70% of the nation’s power due to grid constraints that limit the integration of renewables. These challenges underscore the importance of modernizing China’s electricity infrastructure.

To address these issues, China is advancing plans to unify its regional power grids into a cohesive national electricity market by 2030. This reform aims to balance supply and demand fluctuations, enhance grid reliability, and maximize renewable energy utilization.

Simultaneously, China is leveraging innovative solutions to overcome infrastructure limitations. Projects such as distributed rooftop solar installations and desert-based wind and solar farms demonstrate the nation’s ability to expand renewable energy access, even in remote areas. By the end of 2022, rural solar installations alone surpassed 157 GW, underscoring China’s efforts to ensure equitable energy distribution.

The Path Ahead

China’s green energy transformation holds immense potential for shaping the global energy landscape. While its reliance on coal has slowed progress toward some climate targets, the country’s broader commitment to renewable energy remains steadfast. Achieving its carbon neutrality goal by 2060 will require continued investment in innovation, grid modernization, and international cooperation.

China’s leadership in renewable energy offers valuable lessons for the world. Its ability to scale technologies, lower costs, and pioneer solutions to complex challenges underscores the viability of a global transition to a low-carbon economy. For other nations, China’s experience serves as a blueprint for achieving sustainable energy goals on a large scale.

As the largest producer and consumer of energy, China’s role in the global shift to renewables is both transformative and essential. Its ambitious targets, strategic reforms, and leadership in green innovation highlight its commitment to a sustainable future. By spearheading the global renewable revolution, China is not only securing its own energy future but also paving the way for a greener, more resilient world.

Written by:

*Dr Iqbal Survé

Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN

*Cole Jackson

Lead Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group

Chinese & Latin American Specialist

**The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.