In May 2023, China achieved a remarkable feat by adding 93 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity, translating to nearly 100 solar panels installed every second. This surge is comparable to Poland’s total electricity generation capacity, highlighting China’s rapid expansion in renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, the country installed 26 GW of wind power, equivalent to approximately 5,300 new turbines.
Between January and May, China’s total additions reached 198 GW of solar and 46 GW of wind, sufficient to match the electricity output of Indonesia or Turkey. Lauri Myllyvirta, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, emphasized the scale of this increase on social media, commenting, “We knew China’s rush to install solar and wind was going to be wild but WOW.”
China’s cumulative solar photovoltaic capacity has now surpassed 1,000 GW, representing half of the global total installed solar capacity. This milestone coincides with ongoing climate discussions in Beijing involving researchers and former US government officials. Relations between the two nations have been tense since former President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from key environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Despite being the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is also the leading supplier and installer of clean energy technologies. President Xi Jinping has increasingly linked China’s climate goals with the growth of its clean energy sector, viewing it as essential for revitalizing the country’s economy. In a recent address, Xi pointed out that China has developed “the world’s largest and most complete new energy industry chain” over the past five years, focusing on renewables and supporting technologies, including batteries.
However, the competitiveness of China’s economy is exerting pressure on clean energy firms. The price of solar panels has dropped to levels barely covering production costs, leading to financial strains. In the first quarter of 2023, the five largest solar companies in China reported a combined loss exceeding 8 billion yuan. Yang Liyou, the general manager of Jinneng Technology, referred to the current state of the industry as a “death cycle,” highlighting concerns within the sector.
China’s aggressive push for renewable energy reflects its commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure while navigating the challenges posed by market dynamics and international relations. As the country continues to lead in solar and wind power installations, the implications for global energy markets and climate initiatives remain significant.
