China’s renewable energy expansion has reached unprecedented heights, breaking global records and reshaping the clean energy landscape.
Unprecedented May Installations
In May 2025, China installed a staggering 93 GW of new solar capacity—equivalent to nearly 100 solar panels per second—and an additional 26 GW of wind capacity (roughly 5,300 turbines), enough electricity to power countries like Poland or Sweden in a single month.
From January to May, total additions reached 198 GW solar and 46 GW wind, matching the annual needs of nations such as Indonesia or Turkey.
Crossing the Terawatt Milestone
Solar PV capacity has now surpassed 1,000 GW, representing 50% of global solar installation, while wind and solar combined power over 1,482 GW—exceeding coal capacity for the first time. Clean power generation (wind + solar) reached a record 951 TWh in Q1, up 19% year‑on‑year.
Strategic Drive Behind Growth
President Xi Jinping has linked rapid deployment to economic revitalisation and China’s ambition to lead clean-tech globally. Investments exceeded US $625 billion in 2024—doubling since 2015—and the country reached its 2030 renewables target.
A state-led rollout of renewables, paired with market reforms (e.g., phasing out feed-in tariffs), triggered May’s “rush to connect” before pricing reforms took effect .
Grid Strain and Profit Pressures
Despite the surge, grid infrastructure and storage lag behind, causing energy curtailment. China has opened the world’s largest hybrid battery storage station (580 GWh annual capacity) to support integration of variable renewables.
Meanwhile, intense price competition saw the nation’s top solar firms post 8 billion yuan in Q1 losses.
Global Impact: Tipping the Energy Scale
China now accounts for over 60% of global clean energy deployment—installing more solar than the U.S. and EU combined in 2024—and is spearheading the effort to triple global renewables by 2030.
By April, wind and solar contributed more than 26% of China’s total electricity generation, surpassing hydropower for the first time.
Dual-Track Energy Strategy
Despite green momentum, coal power remains significant: renewables still supplement rather than replace fossil fuels. In 2024, coal capacity stayed strong even as its electricity generation share dropped to 58% .
What’s Next
- Cooling installations: New pricing rules (from June) likely slow rooftop solar expansion.
- Grid upgrades: Massive transmission and storage investments (US $88 billion in 2025) are underway.
- Market reform: More open pricing and private-sector involvement aim to enhance efficiency and financial viability .
China’s record-breaking surge in solar and wind output underscores its transition towards a renewables‑led energy system. Facing global climate challenges, Beijing’s green-energy dominance is reshaping technology markets and international power dynamics—but integration, profit and grid stability remain the hurdles ahead.
