January 29, 2025
Happy Spring Festival from Beijing! January 29 marks the Spring Festival, a time that always takes me back to my childhood, when we celebrated the holiday. I remember we all wore new clothes during the Lunar New Year and savored special dishes on this occasion. I still don’t understand why wearing new clothes for the occasion, especially when meeting relatives, perhaps we didn’t have enough for other occasions, perhaps it’s part of the customs of 总把新桃换旧符 (zǒng bǎ xīn táo huàn jiù fú), that is, “Always replace old charms with new ones." Though it was a time of scarcity, we still managed to enjoy ourselves back in the 1960s.
The day I arrived in Beijing, Reuters carried groundbreaking news: "China's solar, wind power installations soared to record in 2024."
"China broke its own records for new wind and solar power installations again last year, official data showed on Tuesday, accelerating from a breakneck pace set in 2023 as the country looks to peak its carbon emissions before 2030.
Installed solar and wind power capacity climbed 45.2% and 18%, respectively, in 2024, the National Energy Administration said.
There is now 886.67 GW of installed solar power, up from 609.49 GW in 2023, it said. The United States had 139 GW in 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency."
This achievement highlights several key dimensions of China's leadership in renewable energy and its broader implications for global energy dynamics:
1. A Leader in Renewable Energy China's record-breaking installations of solar and wind power underscore its unparalleled commitment to clean energy. Adding 275 GW of solar capacity in 2024 alone, China has outpaced all other nations in both speed and scale. This achievement aligns seamlessly with its long-term vision of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a sustainable, greener economy.
2. Economic and Strategic Implications China’s aggressive investments in renewables solidify its position as a key player in the global green technology market. From solar panels to electric vehicles and battery production, China is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also enhancing its economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, the U.S. risks ceding leadership in these critical sectors, allowing China to dominate emerging markets for renewable technologies.
3. Commitment to Climate Goals China’s progress in renewable energy places it on track to meet—or exceed—its Paris Agreement targets. In stark contrast to the Trump administration’s retreat from climate agreements and its prioritization of fossil fuels, China’s actions demonstrate how proactive climate leadership can drive both environmental progress and economic innovation.
4. A Global Leadership Vacuum The U.S.’s withdrawal from climate leadership during the Trump era left a vacuum that China, alongside Europe and India, is actively filling. This shift raises questions about the long-term implications for the U.S.’s role in shaping global energy and environmental policies.
5. Vision Versus Short-Term Gains The Trump-era mantra of "Drill, baby, drill" epitomizes a short-term focus on fossil fuel extraction, which stands in stark contrast to China’s forward-looking investments in renewable energy. This divergence highlights two competing approaches to energy policy—one prioritizing immediate gains and the other emphasizing sustainable development.
A New Chapter in Responsible Stewardship
A Chinese saying goes, “功在当代，利在千秋” (gōng zài dāng dài, lì zài qiān qiū) The accomplishments made at the present generation, will benefit for a thousand years, reflecting the long-term vision and impact of China’s investment in renewable energy in the long years to come.
China’s remarkable progress in renewable energy is a statement of responsible environmental stewardship. By achieving parity between solar, wind, and coal power capacity, China has redefined what is possible under challenging conditions. These advancements showcase not only the transformative power of innovation but also the strong determination required to lead on the global stage in safeguarding Mother Nature.
In an era where environmental challenges demand collective action, China’s leadership exemplifies how nations can balance growth with sustainability. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, China’s actions serve as both an inspiration and an example for others to follow suit. This is a race where the finish line benefits us all.