Focusing on solar and wind power: China reaches a milestone with green energies

While the country is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, it is also a pioneer in the expansion of renewable energies. Despite its large number of coal-fired power plants, China's economic performance is setting a clear example for renewable energies—and reaching a milestone.

China has reportedly reached a milestone in the expansion of renewable energies: In the first quarter, the installed capacity of wind and solar power plants exceeded that of combustion plants, i.e., predominantly coal-fired power plants, for the first time, according to the China Energy Agency. President Xi Jinping has assured that his country will not let up in the fight against climate change, "regardless of how the international situation develops."

In the first three months of the year, new solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 74.33 million kilowatts were added, the authority stated. "The total capacity of the grid increased to 1.482 billion kilowatts." The installed capacity for thermal energy was accordingly 1.451 billion kilowatts. The authority did not provide a definition of what exactly falls into this category. China's energy supply has so far relied primarily on coal-fired power plants.

This is one of the reasons why the country is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. At the same time, the People's Republic is also a global leader in the expansion of renewable energies. Especially in light of the United States and President Donald Trump's abandonment of climate protection, China is positioning itself as a pioneer in this field.