China Surpasses 1 Terawatt of Solar Power Capacity: A Milestone in Renewable Energy
China has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 1 terawatt (TW) of solar power capacity, marking a significant step toward its goal of 1.2 TW by the end of 2025. According to the National Energy Administration (NEA), as of September 30, the installed capacity of solar photovoltaics (PV) reached 1,010.7 gigawatts (GW), up 56.9% year-on-year.
Record-Breaking China Solar Growth in Power Capacity
In the first nine months of 2024, China’s newly installed solar PV capacity reached 222.2 GW, a 9.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was driven by significant additions in both centralized and distributed solar power.
By the end of September, China’s centralized solar power capacity stood at 621.9 GW, reflecting a 56.4% year-on-year increase. Distributed solar power capacity reached 388.7 GW, up 57.7% from the previous year. These figures highlight China’s balanced approach to expanding both large-scale solar farms and smaller, localized solar installations.
China Solar Growth Drives Surge in Power Output
In the first three quarters of 2024, solar power generation in China reached 405.3 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), marking a 25.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge in solar power output underscores the growing role of renewable energy in China’s electricity mix.
Solar power now accounts for 6% of total electricity generation and 14.8% of overall installed power capacity in China. This reflects the country’s commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.
China Solar Growth Strengthens Global Leadership in Renewable Energy
China’s achievement of 1 TW of solar power capacity solidifies its position as a global leader in renewable energy. The country has been at the forefront of solar technology development, manufacturing, and deployment for over a decade.
In recent years, China has consistently led the world in new solar installations, driven by ambitious government policies, technological advancements, and falling costs. The country’s solar industry has also played a crucial role in driving down global solar panel prices, making solar energy more accessible worldwide.
NEA’s Role in Supporting China Solar Growth
The National Energy Administration (NEA) has been instrumental in China’s solar power expansion. The NEA’s policies have encouraged investment in solar infrastructure, streamlined project approvals, and provided financial incentives for solar deployment.
By overseeing the development and implementation of China’s renewable energy policies, the NEA has ensured that solar power remains a central component of the country’s energy strategy. This has helped China maintain its momentum in achieving its renewable energy targets.
China’s achievement of 1 TW of solar power capacity is a significant milestone in its journey toward a clean energy future. With solar power now accounting for a substantial share of the country’s electricity generation, China is well on its way to achieving its goal of 1.2 TW of solar capacity by 2025.
