China continues to lead the world in renewable energy growth, achieving historic milestones in 2024. According to a report released by the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute on Wednesday, the Chinese mainland’s newly installed capacity of renewable energy accounted for over 60% of the global total. Wind and photovoltaic power generation installations are expected to add another 280 million kilowatts this year.
Technological innovation has been a key driver of this rapid expansion. In 2024, the Chinese mainland made significant breakthroughs in renewable energy technology, bolstering the sector’s development. Advancements include smart technology integration, material innovations, and multi-energy collaboration.
One standout achievement is the successful grid connection of the world’s largest 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine. Additionally, the market share of N-type solar cells increased by over 50 percentage points year-on-year, marking a major technological shift. Progress has also been made in core equipment for a 300-megawatt compressed air energy storage system. Innovative demonstration projects like “Offshore Wind+” marine ranching and offshore wind-powered hydrogen production have been launched.
Zhang Zongliang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that the Chinese mainland’s hydropower technology is at the forefront of global development. He noted that China contributes to over 40% of global new installations of wind and solar power generation. “This has ensured the security of global supply chains for photovoltaic modules and wind turbines,” he added.
The report highlights that the Chinese mainland’s renewable energy industry is becoming the backbone of global energy transition and climate change efforts. Currently, China provides high-quality clean energy products and services to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, holding over 85% of the global market share in photovoltaic products. The country has made significant contributions to the growth of global energy transition investments.
Zhang Yiguo, vice president of the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute, noted that the Chinese mainland’s renewable energy development has entered a new stage emphasizing both quantity and quality. He explained that the focus has shifted from large-scale expansion to high-quality development. To support this transition, energy planning and spatial planning must be closely coordinated. The integration of power generation, grid infrastructure, load management, and energy storage should be planned holistically to broaden renewable energy applications and ensure effective development, utilization, and transmission.
Looking ahead, China aims to establish industrial systems that adapt to renewable energy generation characteristics in resource-rich areas. By collaborating renewable energy with other industries, the country plans to tackle consumption challenges and transform its resource advantages into industrial strengths.
