China installed a record 357 gigawatts of wind and solar power in 2024, exceeding its 2030 renewable energy goal six years early while remaining the world’s top emitter.
Isabella O’Malley reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- China increased its wind and solar capacity by 45% and 18%, respectively, in 2024, far outpacing other nations.
- Despite its renewable energy surge, China still relies heavily on coal for electricity, cement production and manufacturing.
- The U.S. also saw a rise in clean energy installations but faces policy challenges under President Donald Trump, who has prioritized fossil fuel development.
Key quote:
“While China’s overall emissions are the largest of any single country, they have recognized – at least, in part – that rapidly building renewables is essential for energy and climate security. Given the recent administration change in Washington, China is now well poised to lead the world in the energy transition.”
— Daniel Jasper, senior policy advisor at Project Drawdown
Why this matters:
Massive investments in manufacturing and deployment have made China the largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines, helping to accelerate the global transition to cleaner energy sources. The United States, long seen as a key innovator in clean energy technology, is facing uncertainty in the second Trump administration after making massive investments in clean energy during the Biden administration. Shifts in federal policy and permitting delays are raising concerns about whether the U.S. can meet its own climate goals.
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