China reached its clean energy milestones years ahead of schedule, driven by the rapid deployment of wind farms and solar arrays. The National Energy Administration has tracked substantial progress, underscoring a shift toward renewable power and the maturity of the sector. Across the nation, officials have highlighted how modern wind and solar capacity has reshaped the electricity mix, reflecting strategic planning and large-scale project execution that has strengthened energy security and reduced emissions over time.
Current estimates place China’s combined wind and solar capacity at roughly 1,206 gigawatts, a figure that showcases the scale of investment in renewable infrastructure. In the most recent reporting period, around 25 gigawatts of new capacity became operational, reinforcing the trend of steady growth in clean energy supply. This expansion has contributed to a broader decarbonization effort, with ongoing assessments of how renewable generation integrates with the grid, storage solutions, and demand-response mechanisms to maintain reliability for consumers and industries alike.
At present, solar and wind together account for about 14 percent of the country’s electricity production. While this share marks meaningful progress, authorities have suspended new permits for coal-fired plants as part of a broader policy trajectory toward cleaner energy sources and lower emissions intensity. The pause reflects a balancing act between maintaining energy reliability and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, supported by investments in transmission lines, grid modernization, and cleaner thermal options where needed.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for a major solar development with a targeted capacity of 8 gigawatts, complemented by a 4‑gigawatt wind farm and a 4‑gigawatt coal generation unit in Ordos County, located in Inner Mongolia. The multi‑component project, with an estimated cost of around $11 billion, illustrates how large-scale renewables can be paired with transitional generation to support regional energy demand while gradually reducing carbon intensity. The proposal reflects a broader strategy to diversify the energy portfolio, leverage geographic advantages, and accelerate the pace of renewable integration across northern China.
Industry observers note that even figures once associated with traditional energy sectors have recognized the potential of green power. A former executive connected with a major state-controlled oil company highlighted the possibilities that wind and solar present for long-term energy resilience, signaling a wider acknowledgement of the role clean energy plays in national and regional development, innovation, and job creation.