China's wind and solar power capacity reached 1,452 gigawatts by March 2024.

Surpassing fossil fuel-based thermal power for the first time, according to its energy regulator. Despite achieving its 2030 renewable energy target six years early, grid access issues persist, with wind and solar accounting for only 22.59% of electricity delivered in Q1 2024. Grid firms continue to prioritize fossil fuel electricity, leading to renewable energy waste. Researchers from Natixis noted that rising protectionism reduced overseas demand for China’s turbines and panels, pushing the country to expand renewable capacity domestically. However, newly commissioned coal plants risk crowding out clean energy, making it harder for China to meet its Paris Agreement commitments, warned analyst Lauri Myllivirta.