Linqi installs solar power generation

Can China make more solar power?

China can now make more solar power than the rest of the world. Data released by China’s National Agency last week revealed that the country’s solar electric power generation capacity grew by a staggering 55.2 percent in 2023. The numbers highlight over 216 gigawatts (GW) of solar power China built during the year.

Could solar power be China's new energy generation system?

Instead of nuclear, solar is now intended to be the foundation of China's new electricity generation system. Authorities have steadily downgraded plans for nuclear to dominate China's energy generation. At present, the goal is 18 per cent of generation by 2060.

How much solar power does China have in 2023?

China added almost twice as much utility-scale solar and wind power capacity in 2023 than in any other year. By the first quarter of 2024, China’s total utility-scale solar and wind capacity reached 758 GW, though data from China Electricity Council put the total capacity, including distributed solar, at 1,120 GW .

How big is China's solar & wind power capacity?

Wind and solar now account for 37% of the total power capacity in the country, an 8% increase from 2022, and widely expected to surpass coal capacity, which is 39% of the total right now, in 2024. Cumulative annual utility-scale solar & wind power capacity in China, in gigawatts (GW)

Does China have a commitment to building renewables projects?

The stark contrast in construction rates illustrates the active nature of China’s commitment to building renewables projects. Utility-scale solar and wind power capacity in construction, by country Utility-scale solar and wind power capacity in the top ten countries broken down by status, in gigawatts (GW)

Why is China experimenting with floating solar farms?

The need for space has led China to experiment with floating solar farms, like this one in Huainan, Anhui province. (Getty: Kevin Frayer) China is installing record amounts of solar and wind, while scaling back once-ambitious plans for nuclear.