The National Energy Administration said Friday that China’s wind and solar capacity surpasses thermal capacity, marking a historic milestone. China’s total renewable capacity reached 1.482 billion kilowatts in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing thermal power’s 1.451 billion kilowatts, thanks to the addition of 74.33 million kilowatts of new wind and photovoltaic electricity. This milestone is crucial to China’s climate journey because it is the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases and has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Rapid Development in Renewable Energy

China has established itself as a global leader in the renewable energy sector, which has experienced unparalleled growth. The nation reached its 2030 target of 1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity six years ahead of schedule in 2024, adding a record 357 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity, roughly 10 times the additions in the US. China’s wind and solar capacity surpasses thermal energy and this quick growth is a result of China’s calculated investments since the middle of the 2000s, which have put it in a position to tackle more than 80% of the world’s solar manufacturing capacity. The country’s electricity consumption growth was surpassed by wind and solar additions in Q1 2025, indicating a structural change in the power industry. According to Yao Zhe of Greenpeace East Asia, this trend will probably continue, bringing China’s carbon emissions from the electricity sector near their high. President Xi Jinping reiterated this pledge on Wednesday, saying that China’s climate initiatives will not waver in the face of global changes, including the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump.

Also Read: Ganga Basin Records Lowest Snow Persistence In 23 Years, Raising Water Security Concerns

Challenges of Coal Dependency

About 60% of China’s energy needs are met by coal, making it a vital component of the country’s energy balance, even with the rise in renewable energy. Since wind and solar power only accounted for 22.5% of the electricity generated in Q1 2025, their intermittent nature presents difficulties. According to David Fishman of the Lantau Group, grid stability frequently favours coal; thus, comparing variable renewables to dispatchable coal power is complicated. Due to its extensive industrial sector, China’s energy consumption increased by 4.3% in 2024, making a complete switch to renewable energy sources challenging. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Global Energy Monitor, China started building 94.5 gigawatts of coal power plants in 2024, making up 93% of all coal plant construction worldwide. This is concerning. Coal production increased from 3.9 billion tonnes in 2020 to 4.8 billion tonnes in 2024, despite Xi’s promise to regulate and phase out coal power between 2026 and 2030. To ensure that China’s energy transition aligns with its ambitious climate goals, it will be essential to address grid access concerns and scale up battery storage to maximise renewable potential and reduce dependency on coal.

Also Read: Japan’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Drop 4% In FY2023/24, Hitting Record Low Amid Energy Transition