China is running the largest energy transition in history. In 2024 alone the country added 277 GW of solar PV - more than the entire cumulative solar capacity of any other nation - lifting total solar to roughly 886 GW. Combined with about 520 GW of wind, China's wind-and-solar fleet reached roughly 1,410 GW by the end of 2024, already clearing its own 2030 target of 1,200 GW six years early.
This build-out operates inside a clear policy frame: carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060 - the "dual carbon" (双碳) goals. Non-fossil energy rose to 19.8% of primary energy consumption in 2024, up from 15.9% in 2020 and on track for 25% by 2030, while coal's share of primary energy fell to 53.2%.
Why the world is watching
China does not only install clean energy - it manufactures it. The country makes roughly 80% of the world's solar modules, the majority of lithium-ion batteries, and about 60% of global electric vehicles. That is why international buyers, investors and policymakers read China's transition as a supply-chain and price story, not just a climate one.
Six pillars of the transition
Solar Power
Installations, manufacturing and cell technology leadership.
Electric Vehicles
NEV sales, brands, charging and exports.
Grid & Storage
UHV lines, pumped hydro and batteries integrating renewables.
Coal to Clean
How the power mix is shifting and what remains.
Battery Supply Chain
Cells, cathodes, refining and critical minerals.
Hydrogen & Dual-Carbon
Green hydrogen and the 2030/2060 targets.
What this means for your business
If you operate or source in China, two numbers drive your Scope 2 and Scope 3 footprints: the local industrial electricity price and the grid emission factor. Our China Provincial Electricity Price & Grid Emission Factor tool lets you look up 2025 provincial industrial tariffs (RMB/USD) and 2022 grid factors for 30+ provinces and estimate annual cost and CO2.
Frequently asked questions
What are China's dual-carbon goals?
China committed to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality before 2060. These targets shape power, transport and industrial policy through the middle of the century.
How much renewable capacity did China add in 2024?
China added about 277 GW of solar PV and 79 GW of wind in 2024, bringing cumulative solar to roughly 886 GW and wind to about 520 GW.
Why does China's energy transition matter globally?
China manufactures the majority of the world's solar modules, batteries and EVs, so its deployment scale and industrial policy set global technology costs and supply availability.