China's ongoing progress in renewable energy development,as highlighted by the recent Global Energy Monitor report,demonstrates its active role in the global energy transition.However,this transition is not something that can be achieved by one country alone.It requires a collective effort from all nations,especially developed countries,to reduce trade barriers,fulfill their commitments,and create an environment that supports international green cooperation.
According to a report by the Financial Times on Wednesday,which referenced data from the Global Energy Monitor,a non-governmental organization based in San Francisco,almost three-quarters of all solar and wind power projects being built globally are in China.The report highlights that China is building 510 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and wind projects,out of about 689 gigawatts being constructed globally.
While there may be variations in the data provided by different organizations,the overall consensus is that China has become an important force in global green development.According to the People's Daily,China added 373 million kilowatts of renewable energy capacity in 2024,the second consecutive year that new installations exceeded 300 million kilowatts.This accounted for more than 50 percent of the global increase in renewable energy capacity.
China places a strong emphasis on addressing climate change and is actively working toward a green transition in its energy sector and industrial structure.The country has developed the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system.Currently,one out of every three kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed nationwide comes from green sources.
The swift expansion of China's renewable energy sector can be attributed to ongoing advancements in energy technology.According to a report by the People's Daily in 2024,China is at the forefront of ultra-high voltage transmission technology globally.Furthermore,the cost of generating wind power has fallen by 60 percent,while solar power generation costs have plummeted by 80 percent.China also leads the world across the entire hydropower industry chain.In addition,the nation is hastening the industrialization of innovative technologies,including new energy storage and hydrogen energy.
The transition to renewable energy represents a universal challenge that the entire globe is grappling with.China has played a proactive role in this regard,yet achieving the global objectives for the energy transformation necessitates a collaborative effort from all nations.The consensus reached at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change underscores the urgent need to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.Earlier this year,UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that all countries must contribute toward the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in October 2024 that the story of the global energy transition should not be a"China story."Rather,it should be a"global story"of solidarity and cooperation.He said that developed countries,in particular,need to honor their words and create favorable conditions for international green cooperation.Protectionism,unilateralism,and politicization will only harm the common interests of the international community.
The rise of trade protectionism has impeded the global flow of renewable energy technologies,limiting the widespread adoption and application of green technologies.This has led to fragmentation and division within the new-energy industry chain,disrupting the global supply chain for renewable energy and increasing the costs associated with the energy transition.
As the urgency to address climate change intensifies,the global shift toward green transformation is becoming increasingly evident.The world is in dire need of high-quality green products and technological innovation to facilitate this transition.Ensuring the smooth flow of these products and technologies is crucial for advancing the global energy transformation.From this perspective,international cooperation and technology sharing emerge as essential pathways to achieving a global green and low-carbon transition.
China's renewable energy sector is expected to continue its rapid growth,playing an important role in the global shift toward sustainable energy.It would be beneficial if other countries also accelerated their development in this area,even if it means that China's share in the global increase in renewable energy capacity becomes less dominant.The transition to clean energy worldwide requires enhanced international collaboration.China is poised to play a significant role in the global energy transition and support international energy cooperation efforts.
