China Leads World With Growth In Solar And Wind Power

The amount of wind and solar power under construction in China is now nearly twice as much as the rest of the world combined, according to a new report.

- Amy Hawkins

Research published last Thursday by Global Energy Monitor (GEM), an NGO, found that China has 180 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale solar power under construction and 159GW of wind power. That brings the total of wind and solar power under construction to 339GW, well ahead of the 40GW under construction in the US. The researchers only looked at solar farms with a capacity of 20MW or more, which feed directly into the grid, meaning the total amount could be much higher, as small farms account for about 40% of China's solar capacity.

The findings underscore China's leading position in global renewable energy production at a time when the US is increasingly worried about Chinese overcapacity and dumping, particularly in the solar industry.

China has experienced a boom in renewables in recent years, encouraged by strong government support.

Xi Jinping, China's president, has stressed the need for "new quality productive forces", a slogan that signifies a desire to pivot China's economy towards technology and innovation.

Xi has said that "new quality productive forces" include strengthening green manufacturing.