Renewables in China surpass 50% in electricity capacity

Renewable electricity capacity in China topped 1.45 TW or 50%, of which solar and wind power account for 970 GW in total.

At the end of November, the overall electricity generation capacity in China amounted to 2.85 TW or 13.6% more year over year, Xinhua wrote, citing the National Energy Administration (NEA). Renewables – wind power, solar power, hydropower and biomass and other technologies – hit 1.45 TW, topping 50% for the first time.

The milestone was reached already by mid-year, according to domestic media, which referred to the same report. Solar power made up 560 GW or a stunning 49.9% more than 12 months before, the article adds. Last month the country hosted wind turbines of a combined 410 GW. Year-on-year growth came in at 17.6%.

The combined share of wind and solar power in China’s power consumption is above 15%

However, renewables are projected to account for under one third of China’s power consumption or 3 PWh, NEA said. The combined share of wind and solar power is above 15%, the State Council pointed out earlier. Namely, the capacity utilization of such facilities depends on weather conditions – photovoltaics operate only in bright daylight.

The news outlet noted that China manufactures 50% of wind power equipment in the world and 80% of solar power modules.

The first phase, 45.16 GW, of a renewable electricity complex in the Gobi Desert and other arid and remote areas, was commissioned in late November, NEA revealed. In addition, it said the second and third part, with over 50 GW in total, are under construction.