Renewable energy production in China 2000-2023

China's renewable energy production reached nearly approximately 2,894 terawatt hours in 2023. This was the highest figure in the period of consideration and follows greater power generation capacity additions, particularly of solar and wind farms.

Clean energy vanguard

Building clean energy sources is not only a matter of fighting climate change; for the Chinese leadership, it is also of economic and strategic relevance. While the country is not rich in energy resources for its size, it has ideal conditions for renewable energy generation. Its vast steppe and desert regions along with an abundance of sunshine and wind in the northwest are ideal for solar and wind power generation. A vast network of rivers has also allowed for the expansion of its hydropower capacity. In the context of a climate crisis and a global scramble for resources, ensuring a high level of energy independence is crucial for the country's economy and national interest. 

A carbon past

Despite progress in the renewable energy sector, China cannot easily shake its fossil fuel-based economy. Throughout its industrialization, coal was the only energy source that was available domestically. The rapid economic development that relied on heavy industry and manufacturing relied on coal, very much to the detriment of the environment and the population. Most cities in China’s industrial heartland suffered from severe air pollution, which garnered the country a global reputation for cities engulfed in heavy smog. Despite government efforts to address this issue, coal still accounts for the largest share of China’s energy mix.