As the sun sets over the remote northern Chinese desert, hundreds of rows of gleaming solar panels stretch across the landscape, a testament to China’s ambitious renewable energy initiatives. Once the largest solar farm in the world, located at the edge of the Tengger desert, this solar park produces an impressive 1.5 gigawatts of power. However, it has recently been surpassed by a new solar farm located further west that boasts more than double the capacity, showcasing the rapid advancements in solar technology.
China, currently the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, is not just resting on its past achievements. The nation is aggressively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, building almost twice as much wind and solar capacity as all other countries combined. This remarkable growth was underscored last week when China's wind and solar capacity exceeded a target set by President Xi Jinping nearly six years ahead of schedule.
The vast solar arrays in the Ningxia region exemplify a state-led industrial policy that has driven this rapid growth. As we explore the factors contributing to China's solar revolution, it becomes evident that its geographical advantages, governmental support, and technological advancements play a crucial role in positioning the nation as a global leader in renewable energy.
What You Will Learn
- China's solar capacity has increased by over 55 percent in the past year.
- The country now accounts for over 40 percent of the total installed solar capacity worldwide.
- China aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2060.
- The need for coal power is declining as renewable energy installations rise.
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