China's Green Energy Transition: Solar and Wind Capacity Now Exceeds Coal

China's renewable energy capacity has exceeded coal for the first time, marking a historic milestone in the world's largest energy market's transition.

The Numbers

• Renewable capacity exceeds coal for the first time
• China installs more solar annually than the rest of the world combined
• Wind capacity growing at 15%+ annually

Key Drivers

Energy security, industrial policy dominance, urban air quality improvement, and the 2060 carbon neutrality pledge.

Analysis

China's green transition is the world's most consequential energy story. China dominates 80%+ of global solar panel production, meaning the world's clean energy transition runs through China. The paradox is continued coal plant construction for grid reliability. But each year, renewables claim a larger share of new capacity. For the global climate, China's pace determines whether the 1.5C target is achievable.