Key Highlights

• Rapid Renewable Energy Expansion
  China is accelerating offshore wind farm projects and large-scale energy developments to advance its climate objectives.

• Ongoing Coal Dependency
  Despite progress in renewables, China is expanding coal production while testing low-carbon technologies in coal-fired power plants.

• Global Green Leadership
  China’s investments in renewable energy and clean technology exports are shaping the international energy landscape.

China’s Climate Strategy: A Dual Approach

As the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, China is making significant strides in renewable energy to achieve its carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has outlined plans for offshore wind farms and large-scale energy projects in desert regions.

However, coal remains a cornerstone of China’s energy mix. The NDRC has announced continued increases in coal production while piloting low-carbon technologies in coal plants. In 2023, China fell short of its 3.4% carbon intensity reduction target, citing rising energy demand and extreme weather conditions.

China’s Leadership in Renewables

China is at the forefront of global clean energy growth, accounting for 60% of new renewable capacity worldwide in 2023, as reported by the World Energy Outlook 2024. Renewables now generate nearly 40% of China’s electricity.

Additionally, China’s forest coverage reached 25% in 2023, absorbing over 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. The country has also dominated the electric vehicle (EV) market for a decade and has reduced energy intensity by 26% since 2012.

China’s Global Green Influence

Beyond domestic progress, China is spearheading renewable energy initiatives in developing countries. The China-Ethiopia-Sri Lanka Renewable Energy Technology Transfer Project has implemented 11 green energy solutions, benefiting over 50,000 people.

Notable projects include:

• Zhanatas Wind Farm (Kazakhstan) – Generates 350 million kWh annually, saving 109,500 tons of coal.

• Gouina Hydropower Station (Mali) – Produces 687 million kWh per year, cutting carbon emissions by 630,000 tons.

China also leads in clean technology exports, supplying 70% of global solar components and 60% of wind power equipment. In 2023, these exports contributed to a global reduction of 810 million tons of carbon emissions.

The Road Ahead

As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, China has provided $24.5 billion in climate-related funding to developing nations since 2016. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it has collaborated with over 40 countries to expand renewable energy infrastructure.

Despite significant progress, China faces challenges in balancing economic growth with climate goals. Uncertainty remains around meeting its five-year carbon intensity reduction target, but sustained investment in renewables underscores its long-term commitment to green development.

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