In a landmark development, China has announced that its combined wind and solar power capacity has, for the first time, exceeded that of its thermal power installations, primarily coal-fired plants. This shift marks a significant step in the nation’s ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources.
A Historic Shift in Energy Capacity
As of the end of March 2025, China’s installed wind and solar power capacity reached 1.482 billion kilowatts, surpassing the 1.451 billion kilowatts from thermal power sources. This achievement is attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy installations, with 74.33 million kilowatts of new wind and photovoltaic capacity added in the first quarter alone.
This milestone aligns with China’s broader environmental goals, including peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The country’s commitment to renewable energy has been evident in its accelerated deployment of wind and solar projects, positioning it as a global leader in clean energy capacity.
Challenges in Energy Transition
Despite the impressive growth in renewable capacity, integrating these sources into the existing energy grid presents challenges. Renewable energy’s intermittent nature requires enhancements in grid infrastructure to ensure stability and reliability. China’s energy authorities acknowledge the need for continued investment in grid modernization to accommodate the increasing share of renewables.
Furthermore, while the capacity of renewable energy sources has grown, their actual contribution to electricity consumption remains lower than expected. In the first quarter of 2025, wind and solar power accounted for 22.5% of electricity delivered to consumers, indicating that further efforts are needed to optimize the utilization of renewable energy.
Continued Role of Thermal Power
Thermal power, particularly coal-fired plants, continues to play a significant role in China’s energy landscape. In 2024, the country initiated the construction of an additional 99.5 GW of coal-fired power capacity. These developments are aimed at ensuring a stable energy supply, especially during periods when renewable sources may not meet demand.
The dual approach of expanding renewable energy while maintaining thermal power capacity reflects China’s strategy to balance environmental objectives with energy security and economic growth.
Global Implications
China’s advancements in renewable energy have significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China’s energy policies and developments influence international climate goals. The country’s progress in renewable energy capacity demonstrates the potential for large-scale transitions to cleaner energy sources.
However, experts caution that without a firm commitment to reducing emissions, the continued reliance on coal could undermine global climate targets. China’s actions in the coming years will be critical in shaping the trajectory of global emissions and the effectiveness of international climate agreements.
Conclusion
China’s achievement in surpassing thermal power capacity with wind and solar installations marks a pivotal moment in its energy transition. While challenges remain in integrating renewable energy into the grid and reducing reliance on coal, the country’s commitment to expanding clean energy sources is evident. Continued efforts in infrastructure development and policy implementation will be essential to sustain this momentum and contribute to global climate objectives
