China’s renewable energy capacity surpasses coal for 1st time

China’s renewable energy capacity, comprising wind and solar power, has surpassed coal-fired capacity for the first time, according to the China Electricity Council (CEC).

By the end of 2024, wind and solar are expected to account for over 40 per cent of China’s total installed power capacity, reaching approximately 1,350 gigawatts (GW) out of a total 3,300 GW.

China plans to add about 300 GW of wind and solar capacity this year, slightly exceeding last year’s addition of 293 GW.

In the first half of 2024, wind and solar capacity reached 1,180 GW, making up 38.4 per cent of total capacity, while coal-fired capacity fell to 1,170 GW, or 38.1 per cent. The share of coal in the energy mix is projected to drop below 37 per cent by year-end.

Despite this growth, the CEC warns of challenges due to low utilisation rates of renewable energy, with grid infrastructure needing upgrades to accommodate intermittent wind and solar supplies.

Renewable energy operated at less than half the hours of coal in early 2024, highlighting the need for improved transmission and storage solutions. China aims for 80 per cent of its energy to come from non-fossil fuels by 2060 as part of its carbon neutrality goals.